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Corkscrew Seal Lesions Blog
Over the past two years, the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme has examined several seal carcasses with unusual ‘corkscrew’ lesions on them.
Five of these carcasses have been necropsied, two in summer 2009 and three during 2010.
Similar injuries have subsequently been reported by pathologists at the RSPCA wildlife hospital in Norfolk, suggesting this could be a problem affecting seals around much of the UK coastline.
This blog aims to provide information and promote discussion as the investigation into the cause of these distinctive lesions continues.
Five of these carcasses have been necropsied, two in summer 2009 and three during 2010.
Similar injuries have subsequently been reported by pathologists at the RSPCA wildlife hospital in Norfolk, suggesting this could be a problem affecting seals around much of the UK coastline.
This blog aims to provide information and promote discussion as the investigation into the cause of these distinctive lesions continues.
Discussion of possible causes
Published: 26 Aug 2010
I have worked on the Strandings project for more that 18 years and have never before seen injuries such as those found on seals recently.
Overview
Published: 24 Aug 2010
Two seals found on the same stretch of beach in 2009 were juvenile harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). Three seals examined in 2010 were pregnant adult harbour seals.