29 Dec 2011

Tests on seals for radiation

7:11 am on 29 December 2011

Scientists in Alaska are investigating whether seals there are being sickened by radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

Scores of ring seals have washed up on the Arctic coastline of the state since July, with a mysterious disease.

Biologists have been unable to identify any virus and tests are underway to find out if radiation is a factor.

Results of the tests will not be available for several weeks.