Characterization and Causal Investigations of an Alopecia Syndrome in Australian Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus)

April 2012 in “ Journal of mammalogy ”

Michael Lynch, Roger Kirkwood, Rachael Gray, David Robson, G. Burton, L Jones, Rodney Sinclair, John P. Y. Arnould

alopecia hair shaft fractures tyrosine zinc heavy metals pollutants

Studysummary Among Australian fur seals at one colony, this study found that alopecia, primarily affecting juvenile females, is linked to hair shaft fractures associated with low tyrosine and zinc levels, as well as higher pollutant exposure. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

A distinctive alopecia syndrome was observed in a colony of Australian fur seals, particularly affecting juvenile females, characterized by symmetrical hair loss due to hair shaft fractures. Investigations showed no infections or skin pathology differences between affected and unaffected seals. However, affected seals had significantly lower tyrosine and zinc levels, potentially increasing hair brittleness, and higher levels of heavy metals and pollutants, suggesting they foraged in more contaminated environments.

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