J. E. Barlough1; E. S. Berry1; D. E. Skilling1;
A. W. Smith1; F. H. Fay2
Sera from 155 individual Pacific walruses, sampled in the Chukchi Sea
during the summer of 1983, were tested for serum-neutralizing (SN) antibodies to 6 marine
calicivirus serotypes. Serotypes tested included San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV) types 1, 5, 8,
and 10, isolated previously from northern fur seals in the Bering Sea; walrus calicivirus (WCV),
isolated previously from walrus feces collected off sea ice in the Chukchi Sea; and Tillimook
calicivirus (TCV), a bovine isolate of suspected marine origin. No antibodies were found to
SMSV-1, SMSV-10, or TCV. Antibodies to SMSV-5 were found in 2 animals (titers 1:20 and 1:160);
antibodies to SMSV-8 were found in 4 animals (all 1:20); antibodies to WCV were found in 1
animal (titer 1:40). Antibodies to WCV have been reported previously in Pacific walruses;
however, this represents the first report of antibodies to any of the SMSV serotypes in this
species of marine mammal.