THE Scottish SPCA is appealing to local people to keep their eyes peeled for underweight and small common seals in and around Loch Linnhe waters.

Scotland's Animal Welfare charity has rescued an unusually high number of weak and emaciated common seals from the area over the winter, many weighing only half the body weight that a healthy common seal should at this time of year.

The latest seal to be rescued was found in distress in the River Lochy, which runs in to Loch Linnhe, last Friday.

Local SSPCA inspector Dawna Connolly said: "Common seals are born around June and July so by this time of year they should be well developed and weighing around 30 to 40kgs. The ones I've rescued lately are closer to 15kgs and look more like pups because they just haven't been thriving."

Post mortems carried out on some of the seals which didn't survive have revealed severe worm burdens of the stomach or lungs.

Dawna said: "We don't know the reason for this, but it seems to be affecting marine life in Loch Linnhe and the surrounding waters. If someone does spot an unusually small or thin common seal they should contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999."

Seals rescued by the Scottish SPCA are treated at the charity's Wildlife Rescue Centre at Middlebank in Fife.

Anyone who spots a seal carcass on the shore should contact the Wildlife Unit at the Scottish Agricultural College.

Staff there are keen to carry out autopsies on affected marine life in the area to find out why the seals are so badly affected this year. Bob Reid, higher laboratory scientist at SAC Veterinary Services, can be contacted on 01463 243030.