Strange disease killing Alaska seals and walruses   The Fish and
Wildlife Service has also identified diseased and dead walruses.
A similar official declaration for Pacific Walrus in Alaska is
pending. The walruses have suffered from similar symptoms, which
have also included labored breathing and appearing lethargic.
Scientists have yet to identify a cause for this disease, but
tests have indicated that it is not a virus. Hunters, meanwhile,
continue to see many healthy animals. Despite a significant
contact with seals and walruses, no humans have reported similar
symptoms. However, it is not known whether the disease can be
transmitted to humans or other animals.   In Canada and Russia,
ringed seals have been reported suffering similar symptoms. It
is unknown whether they are related.