Cape fur seals in South Africa face rabies outbreak

In May 2023, a Cape fur seal in Cape Town, South Africa, bit five surfers, raising concerns about a rabies outbreak among marine mammals. This incident followed the discovery of another seal with severe facial injuries, suggesting aggressive behavior. Despite initial beliefs that seals do not contract rabies, subsequent tests confirmed the presence of the virus in several seals, some of which were euthanized due to aggression. Rabies is known to be endemic among southern African jackals, which prey on seal pups, potentially linking the outbreak to land-based wildlife. The outbreak marks the first significant rabies infection in marine mammals globally, with only one previous isolated case reported in Svalbard, Norway, in 1980. Scientists are uncertain about the future trajectory of the disease among seals, as rabies typically spreads through saliva, and the crowded living conditions of seals may facilitate transmission. Fortunately, no humans bitten by the seals have developed rabies, leading experts to speculate on possible protective factors, such as neoprene wetsuits. The City of Cape Town's coastal management team advises that there is no need for panic if beachgoers encounter relaxed seals. However, they recommend seeking medical attention for rabies immunoglobulin and vaccines if bitten. The large population of Cape fur seals, estimated at two million along the coast from Angola to South Africa, complicates vaccination efforts, as the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses. Additionally, the Cape clawless otter, which interacts with Cape fur seals, may also be at risk due to its smaller population size. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring is essential to understand the outbreak's implications for both marine mammals and human health.