Maine seal deaths linked to avian flu prompt federal probe

ASSOCIATED PRESS • July 20, 2022

The deaths of dozens of seals off the coast of Maine has been deemed an “unusual mortality event,” sparking a federal investigation into strandings that appear linked to avian influenza. The seal strandings began in June and 150 have been reported through Monday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. Most of the seals were found dead. The U.S. Department of Agriculture already has confirmed that samples from four stranded seals tested positive for avian flu.