Detection of Novel Poxvirus from Gray Seal (Halichoerus grypus), Germany

We detected a novel poxvirus from a gray seal (Halichoe-rus grypus) from the North Sea, Germany. The juvenile animal showed pox-like lesions and deteriorating overall health condition and was finally euthanized. Histology, electron microscopy, sequencing, and PCR confirmed a previously undescribed poxvirus of the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, tentatively named Wadden Sea poxvirus.

Automated summary

We have identified a new poxvirus in a gray seal (Halichoe-rus grypus) found in the North Sea, Germany. The affected juvenile seal exhibited pox-like skin lesions and deteriorating health, leading to its euthanization. Detailed analysis using histology, electron microscopy, sequencing, and PCR confirmed the presence of an undescribed poxvirus belonging to the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, which we have tentatively named Wadden Sea poxvirus.