Herpesvirus in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina): transmission in homologous host

In the Norddeich orphanage seals about four to five months of age were exposed intranasally and by contact to a phocine herpesvirus which originated from a young seal in this station. Virus excretion by the nasal route was observed in two animals on day 2 and 15 post inoculation, respectively. Production of neutralizing antibodies was detected one week after exposure. The antibody titre range was approximately tenfold higher in the inoculated seals than in animals of the contact group. The seals did not become seriously sick.