Captured seal pup temporarily quarantined due to bird flu

On Thursday, Sea Life Blankenberge’s Rescue Team received a call for a seal on the beach of Wenduine for the first time this year. The gray seal pup was very weakened and injured on the hind webbed feet.

Temporary quarantine center

Due to the current pandemic situation, it is necessary that every seal or pup that is taken into care must first be tested for AI Influenza, better known as the ‘bird flu’, before it can be brought to the seal sanctuary. That is why Sea Life Blankenberge has started a temporary quarantine center on the beach in Blankenberge. After a negative PCR test, the pup could be taken to the seal sanctuary.

It is a gray male seal of about 12 kilograms. The puppy was exhausted and has a wound on the back webbed feet. The animal also had a fever. The vet has visited to do the necessary tests and to administer the first care.

What to do if you notice a seal on the beach?

1. Keep at least 30m away and try not to touch the animal.
2. See if the animal is injured. Do you see wounds? Call our SOS Seal Line on 0477/345 890 or call 112 to the fire brigade.
3. Is the animal in the shape of a banana, nicely curled up? Then it is fixed to equip. This can take up to 3 hours, if it does not experience stress from bystanders.
4. Is the animal completely flat? Call the seal rescue center (0477 34 58 90) or the fire brigade