Seal sanctuary appeal to Irish public

The Irish Seal Sanctuary has appealed to the public to report sightings of dead seals amid fears of a disease epidemic.

Up to 250 seals washed up on the shores of western Europe have been found to have the deadly virus.

The Seal Sanctuary said around 20,000 of the animals died from the same disease in 1988, with their bodies washing up on the shores of Sweden and Denmark.

A few seals also contracted the disease in Ireland. Terry Flanagan, a spokesman for the Seal Sanctuary, said: "We’re hopeful that it will stay the same now. What we are asking is for people to be vigilant. If they do come across a dead seal carcass, do get in touch with us."