Avian Influenza Impact on Seals in Norfolk: Four Deaths Confirmed

Four seals found dead on Norfolk coast test positive for H5N1 avian influenza, raising concerns for England's largest seal colony.

Four seals have been found dead on the north Norfolk coast, each testing positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Two of these seals were located at Blakeney Point, home to England's largest seal colony, which sees approximately 4,000 pups born annually.

The UK's grey seal population is globally significant, comprising 38% of the world's population.

The H5N1 virus has been responsible for millions of wild bird deaths since 2021 and has also affected mammals, including sea lions and elephant seal pups.

The Wildlife Trusts' marine conservation officer, Dani Clifford, emphasized the importance of monitoring these animals to understand the spread of bird flu and reduce pressures on wildlife.

The National Trust has advised visitors to Blakeney Point to keep dogs on leads and avoid contact with sick or dying wildlife.

Authorities believe the seals contracted the disease by scavenging infected birds but are also vigilant about potential mammal-to-mammal transmission.

The seal population may be more at risk during the breeding season, which runs from late October to early January, as seal pups have previously been found to have a higher mortality rate from bird flu than their parents.