Warning after ‘sealpox’ outbreak
Members of the public are urged not to approach seals in Flamborough Head after two animals were found with a contagious disease.
Two seals infected with ‘sealpox’ were found at Flamborough Head which, although is not fatal to the animals, can be transmitted to humans where it can cause further complications.
But the unexplained deaths of two further seals near Bridlington which were not infected with sealpox has caused concern for one organisation.
Rocky Clarke, the regional care manager of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, rescued one infected seal at Flamborough Head, and said he is “cautiously concerned” about the mystery deaths.
“We had not had that many callouts for a while,” he added. “In the last two weeks we have had seven, and a few of them had sealpox.
“But the two which died were not infected, they were found stranded. We took one to Priory Vets in Bridlington – he was in the
back of the van and was lively and trying to bite me.
“When we came to get him after being in the vets he had died.”
Mr Clarke, a former policeman, said he had taken another seal home with him to Withernsea so he could monitor it overnight, but it had also died by the morning. “They should be weighing in at about 40 kilograms. But a lot we are seeing are very underweight. Given they were about two-years-old, they should have been quite healthy. It’s strange for this kind of year.”
If you believe a seal may be ill contact the charity on 01825 765546 or on 07787 433412,