[Seal finger--a problem among hunters once again]

Seal finger is an infectious disease unknown to most physicians. It occurs after contact with seals, and the symptoms include acute pain, swelling, and, in some cases, there is joint involvement. The etiologic agent of Seal finger is now believed to be Mycoplasma, and treatment with high dose tetracycline has been successful for over 50 years. Seals are after years of protection once again hunted in Sweden, and the first case of Seal finger has already occurred.