Seal Distemper – Is It a Risk to Dogs in Australia?

What is seal distemper?

Seal distemper is a virus disease that is affecting the seal population around the coasts of Europe and the United Kingdom. 

The signs in seals are similar to canine distemper. It affects primarily the respiratory system and also the nervous system. It can result in fits and high mortality.

What causes it?

Phocine distemper virus (PDV). This is very similar to canine distemper virus (CDV).

Is this a new disease in seals?

PDV was first identified as the cause of high mortality in European seals during an outbreak in 1988. At that time approximately 18,000 Common Seals (Phoca vitulina) and 400 Grey Seals (Halichorus grypus) died as a result of the infection. 

When did the present outbreak occur?

The present outbreak was confirmed on 13th August 2002 when tests carried out on seals proved positive for PDV. As a result the British government set up a £250,000 project, expected to last nine months, in order to find out more about this virus.

How is the virus spread?

PDV is highly contagious (like CDV). It is transmitted by direct contact from one seal to another and like CDV through the aerosol route as a result of coughing and sneezing. Work following the 2002 outbreak confirmed that affected seals try to find refuge on land where some will die of the disease. 

Does this mean that shorelines where affected seals are beached could be a danger to dogs and could it spread to Australia?

Obviously if the dog is fully protected against CDV the risk is diminished but at present we do not know how much protection immunity again CDV gives in relation to PDV. However, canine distemper vaccine has been used to protect seals at risk in certain cases.  In any case it should be remembered that a sick seal may be unable to move but can still bite and therefore dogs in any event should be kept under control.

Since outbreaks have only occurred in the Northern hemisphere it is unlikely to pose a threat to Australia but it is impossible to say that a similar outbreak could not occur in our region. Such an outbreak illustrates the potential danger to our pet population when a susceptible species contracts a viral infection that may cross species boundaries.