# An investigation into the die-off of Cape Fur Seal pups and sub-adults on South Africa’s West Coast recently has shown that the deaths were the result of a variety of factors, including malnutrition. Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinary Laboratory, Mary James, says evidence was found during post mortem examinations of moderate to severe malnutrition. Extensive testing for parasites and viruses as well as bacterial infections were conducted on all carcasses. The results have proven either negative or insignificant. All results for biotoxins were also negative.