An outbreak of a herpesvirus infection in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)

During an outbreak of a herpesvirus infection in juvenile harbor seals, 11 out of 23 seals died. The duration of the disease in these 11 animals varied from 1-6 days. Nasal discharge, inflammation of the oral mucosa, vomiting, diarrhea and fever up to 40 degrees C were observed in the first days of the disease. In later stages coughing, anorexia and lethargy occurred. Severe necrosis of the liver and interstitial pneumonia were the most striking histopathological findings.