BarentsPortal

Bacteria and viruses are widespread pathogens in the Barents Sea. Bacteria of the genus Brucella are widely distributed among marine mammals, including the polar bear. A recent investigation revealed high prevalences of anti-Brucella antibodies (35%) and Brucella-bacteria /Brucella pinnipedialis; 38%) in hooded seals. Phocine distemper virus (PDV) can be highly pathogenic in seals. No such disease has been seen in seals in the Barents Sea, but antibodies have been detected in polar bears (8%) and in harbour seals and walrus at Svalbard (5% and 31%, respectively). Francisella philomiragia subsp. noatunensis is an emerging pathogen in farmed cod and may also become a threat to wild cod. In general, viral and bacterial pathogens are poorly investigated in the Barents Sea. The pathogens listed here are just examples of what can be found, and shows that virus and bacteria may be important components of the ecosystem.