Northern elephant seal skin disease was reported by veterinarians
at The Marine Mammal Center as early as 1975. Northern elephant
seal skin disease interferes with the ability of the elephant
seal to molt. The majority of elephant seals with skin disease
have been yearlings. The disease is characterized by an ulcerative
dermatitis that may be limited to certain areas of the body
or may spread to include over 60% of the surface area. Mortality
is usually associated with secondary bacterial infection and
sepsis. Treatment is aimed at controlling secondary infection
and allowing healing.
To better understand the pathogenesis of skin disease in
seals that may result from contaminant exposure, the effects
of changes in thyroid function and retinol metabolism in association
with skin disease in northern elephant seals are being investigated
by The Center. The underlying cause of the disease remains
unknown.
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Northern
Elephant Seal Skin Disease (NESSD)