Bird flu confirmed in 2 ringed seals near Resolute Bay, Nunavut

Bird flu has been detected in two ringed seals near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, following a previous case in a seabird, marking an unusual occurrence of the virus in marine mammals.

Comment from Gemini:

Several previously documented articles shed light on the recent ringed seal infections. Mass die-offs of marine mammals, including seals, linked to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been reported. For example, in 2023, HPAI devastated elephant seal populations in the Antarctic https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/08/mass-deaths-elephant-seals-bird-flu-sweeps-across-antarctic-aoe. Furthermore, elevated seal deaths in Maine during the summer of 2022 were also attributed to HPAI https://www.pressherald.com/2022/07/05/high-number-of-seal-deaths-linked-to-bird-flu-feds-say/. Interestingly, previous outbreaks have also involved other pathogens in conjunction with avian influenza. In 2018, a combination of avian flu and phocine distemper virus was implicated in a high number of seal deaths in New England https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/marine-life-distress/2018-new-england-seal-die-. This raises the question of whether other factors might be playing a role in the Resolute Bay cases. It's crucial to conduct thorough diagnostic testing to rule out other potential contributing pathogens and understand the full scope of health threats to these Arctic seal populations. Given the ongoing global spread of HPAI and its potential impact on diverse animal species, continued monitoring and research are essential for conservation efforts and public health.