Defra

In 1988, an outbreak of Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) caused the death of 17-18000 common seals (Phoca vitulina) and 300-400 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). The disease was first recorded in infected seals located around the island of Anholt (Denmark) and spread over several months to infect seals in the North Sea, Wadden Sea, Baltic and Irish Sea. Considerable scientific research was conducted to establish the cause of the outbreak and its impact on UK and European seals. Within the UK, the greatest declines in common seal populations occurred in the Wash and the Moray Firth.

Over the last couple of months, a virus virtually identical to the 1988 strain of PDV has again been associated with the deaths of common seals, starting in the same place, Anholt. If the spread of the disease follows the same pattern, it is expected to appear in the UK during August.

Drawing on the lessons that have been learned during the last outbreak, DEFRA is helping voluntary organisations prepare for the outbreak of PDV if it hits UK waters. We are working with a network of voluntary organisations to ensure that seals are assessed and appropriately treated.