BREAKING NEWS: Eight cases of rabies have been confirmed in Cape fur seals along the Western Cape coast of South Africa.

Adapted from article originally published by Western Cape Government (Jun 27, 2024)

The Western Cape Government urges residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution when visiting the coastline, especially those frequently in contact with seals or engaging in recreational activities in coastal areas.

Following seal tissue analysis and post-mortems carried out by Sea Search, eight positive rabies cases were confirmed by the Agricultural Research Council's Onderstepoort Veterinary Research and the University of Pretoria. The cases spanned the 700-kilometer (434-mile) coastline between Melkbosstrand and Plettenberg Bay.

This serious discovery highlights the potential for rabies cases along the entire coastline where seals are present.

The development is particularly concerning as only one other case of a seal contracting rabies has been recorded — in Norway in 1981. Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease, spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals. It is therefore crucial to support ongoing research and ensure pets and street dogs are vaccinated.

We at Network for Animals, and our sister organization, Animal Survival International, have two partners on the ground working to help mitigate the problem from both a wildlife and a domestic dog perspective:

🦭Sea Search: Stored samples collected from seals since 2021 are currently being tested to determine the timeline and extent of the outbreak. They are advising a multi-layered working group, including provincial and national governments, to understand and control the outbreak. Surveillance of seal colonies and wider vaccination efforts are also in the early stages of planning.

🐶 TEARS in the Western Cape is conducting regular rabies vaccination drives for dogs in impoverished areas. Since June, TEARS has administered over 1,700 vaccines.

We are on standby and ready to support our teams with funds for ongoing testing, surveillance, and critically needed vaccinations.

What can you do?

• Avoid interacting with seals and other wild animals, and do not allow your pets to interact with them.
• Do not cause harm to seals or any other animals. Instead, contact the local State Veterinary Office to report any strange animal behavior:
• Ensure your pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. Pets need revaccination every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine and regional rabies risk.

For more information on what to do if you suspect your dog is unwell, read more here.