News

‘Unusual’: Feds investigate seal deaths linked to avian flu

‘Unusual’: Feds investigate seal deaths linked to avian flu

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The deaths of dozens of seals off the coast of Maine has been deemed an “unusual mortality event,” sparking a federal investigation into strandings that appear linked to avian influenza.

The seal strandings began in June and 150 have been reported through Monday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. Most of the seals were found dead.

NOAA gave the strandings, which have affected harbor and gray seals, the “unusual” designation on Friday. That authorizes a federal investigation to try to determine the cause and minimize deaths.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already confirmed that samples from four stranded seals tested positive for avian flu, which has been found in more than 40 states since it was detected in winter 2021.

The risk to the public from the occurrence of avian flu in seals is low, but beachgoers should take precautions anyway, NOAA representatives said.

“We continue to ask the public not to touch ill, stranded or floating dead seals, to keep pets far away from seals, and to call their local stranding network organization to report live or dead stranded seals,” the agency said in a statement.

Most strandings have happened in the southern and central coast of the state from Biddeford to Boothbay, NOAA said. Neither animal is listed under the Endangered Species Act, but both are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The avian flu outbreak has killed tens of million of chickens and turkeys on farms, and the virus is able to jump to mammals. It rarely affects humans.

NOAA said it’s working with local, state, tribal, federal and international groups on its investigation. Marine Mammals of Maine, a rescue agency, has reported responding to dozens of seal strandings since the beginning of June.

Avian influenza has also been detected in dozens of species of wild birds as well as eight species of scavenging mammals, NOAA said. The virus is also affecting Canada, where it has been found in 11 provinces, the agency said.

Latest Headlines

7 hours ago in Trending, World

Melissa strengthens to a Category 5 hurricane and is forecast to make landfall in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 5 strength Monday as it neared Jamaica, where forecasters said it would unleash catastrophic flooding, multiple landslides and extensive infrastructure damage.

7 hours ago in Local

Maine Wood Carvers Grow Worrisome of Dying Craft

Wood carvers in Maine are worried that their historical craft is on the decline.

13 hours ago in Local

Missing Hancock County Woman Found Safe

Hancock County deputies say Alison Macleod suffers from cognitive issues.

20 hours ago in Local

Otisfield Man Charged After Woman Shot in Hand

Oxford County deputies say they were called to a report of a person who had been shot.

21 hours ago in Local

Owl Rescued on Lake West of Augusta

Officers say they found the barred owl along Annabessacook Lake Saturday morning.