A new strain of canine distemper virus has been found in New Zealand fur seals (kekeno). Researchers are working to understand its potential impact.
The virus, a divergent strain of canine distemper virus (CDV), has been linked to disease and mortality in kekeno. Current evidence suggests this virus is not likely to represent a new introduction to New Zealand, but rather a previously undetected strain. There is no known human health risk.
The Department of Conservation (DOC), Biosecurity New Zealand and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University are collaborating to investigate what this discovery means for kekeno populations.
DOC Senior Technical Advisor Dr Jody Weir, one of the scientists involved in the discovery, says the divergent virus strain was detected during an exotic disease investigation.
"We initially tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu or HPAI), which is also a threat to our native marine mammal and bird populations, but this was ruled out" she says.
"We are now working to understand how widespread the virus is in the New Zealand fur seal population. It was first discovered in the Kaikōura population in spring of 2024 when unusually high numbers of dead fur seals were reported.
"In contrast to spring of 2023 when many fur seals died from starvation around Kaikōura and other sites around the country, these deaths were not due to starvation but rather a divergent strain of CDV, not previously detected anywhere in the world."
Massey veterinary pathologist Professor Wendi Roe says the collaborative work by DOC, Biosecurity New Zealand and Massey has confirmed the virus is not confined to one site.
"In June 2025, we found the same strain of canine distemper virus in fur seals at Cape Palliser, where it was contributing to deaths. The virus causes respiratory illness and supresses immune systems, leaving the animals more susceptible to other diseases."
Dr Weir says discovering this emerging disease in NZ fur seals highlights the importance of kekeno as a sentinel species, providing insight into the wider health of the marine ecosystem.
"Most New Zealanders don't realise how bad the situation is. Around 80 percent think our nature is in good shape, but sadly that just isn't the case.
"While kekeno are currently categorized as "not threatened", a virus like this one could have large scale impacts on populations."
While out naturing this spring, DOC and Biosecurity New Zealand are asking the public to report if they see three or more freshly dead fur seals anywhere around the country, by calling the exotic pest & disease hotline - 0800 80 99 66.
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