Community Corner
Experts: Bird Flu Caused Seal Deaths
Scientists say a virus not found in marine mammals caused some of the seal deaths.
As experts continue to try and determine what killed the this summer and fall, initial tests show that a wild bird virus is linked to at least five of the deaths.
Researchers with the New England Aquarium told WMUR that the influenza A subtype H3N8 — a flu virus found in birds but not know to have a connection to marine mammals — was found in five of the 162 seals found on beaches throughout New England.
Experts told WMUR that they believe the virus led to a bacterial pneumonia infection that killed the five seals.
Find out what's happening in Hampton-North Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Researchers said they will continue testing, although at this time they believe H3N8 has a low risk of transmission to humans and isn't connected to the H5N1 virus that caused a global pandemic in 2007 or the H1N1 virus from 2009.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
