On July 11, another 10 dead seals were found along the Swedish coast near Falkenberg (which is situated on the same level as Anholt). Falkenberg is the home of about 1.000 seals. No fresh bodies were found; the cause of death could be PDV, but our contact on the spot says that there is no proof for this yet. A week prior to that, a dead seal was found near Föhr (Schleswig -Holstein). Initial investigation results show it to be PDV negative.
The Swedes sent samples to a laboratory in England. We have asked them why samples were not sent to the virology department of the Erasmus University, Rotterdam (prof dr Ab Osterhaus), especially as this institute has gained so much experience already during prior outbreaks. Surely, nothing should be more important than to diagnose the cause of the seals’ death quickly and properly and to make it known promptly? We have asked the ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality to make sure that samples are also sent to the Netherlands.
On Wednesday, July 18, SRRC Lenie’t Hart will be releasing the first seals, which are now protected against PDV due to vaccination.07-18-2007 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
