Report: Seal deaths linked to new avian flu strain

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) - Scientists studying the deaths of more than a hundred harbor seals along the New England coast last year say the seals suffered from a new strain of avian flu.

A new report identifies the cause of death as an influenza A virus "H3N8," which can jump from birds to marine mammals.

It was compiled by scientists at the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health; the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; New England Aquarium;  the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center; SeaWorld; and EcoHealth Alliance.

Katie Pugliares of the New England Aquarium tells the Portsmouth Herald (http://bit.ly/M7GoFj) there's no indication so far that humans are capable of contracting the virus.

The seals were found in Maine, New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.