Mass Death of Caspian Seals Linked to Neuroinfection, Say Experts

Aydin Kydyrmanov, the laboratory chief at the Research Center of Microbiology and Virology, has confirmed that the mass die-off of Caspian seals in the Mangistau region was caused by a neuroinfection, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazinform.

As reported, some 2,000 dead seals were discovered in Mangistau region’s Tupkaragan and Karakiya districts in October-November 2024. The Center's employees who had arrived at the scene took samples from the dead seals' carcasses.

The experts conducted a molecular genetic analysis and discovered a new viral disease in the brain and lung tissues.

“There was a virus in all the samples. This is a viral neuroinfection. The detection of the virus in the animals’ brain proves that this is the only cause of the disease,” Aidyn Kydyrmanov said adding that immunodeficiency contributed to the disease progress

This disease has not been sufficiently studied yet. It is typical for marine mammals.