[imagesource:capespca]

If it’s not clear already that we need to leave wild animals be, then perhaps a case of rabies will put a person off for good.

The City of Cape Town is urging the public to immediately maintain a safe distance from seals after a confirmed rabies case.

The Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services confirmed that on 7 June 2024, a Cape Fur Seal off the coast at Big Bay tested positive for rabies. This seal died on 22 May 2024 and the laboratory results came in earlier last week. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says that a further two suspected cases from different areas are pending confirmation.

As issued on the Western Cape Government website and shared through its social media channels, the public is being asked to take extra precautions to stay away from any and all Cape Fur Seals as far as possible. Everyone is also urged to not, under any circumstances, allow their dogs close to these animals. This precaution applies to the entire Cape Peninsula coastline, including those cute little fellas that hang out at Kalk Bay and Hout Bay.

URGENT NOTICE: City cautions public to stay away from seals due to a confirmed rabies case.

The City of Cape Town is advising the public to stay away from seals as far as possible, and with immediate effect.

Read more: https://t.co/APsNuTV8I3#CTNews pic.twitter.com/08QeF2MLgF

— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) June 7, 2024

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect mammals, including humans. It is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal, but can also be contracted if saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). AKA, rabies can be transmitted to people through the lick, scratch, or bite of a rabid animal.

The SPCA advise beachgoers and pet owners to take the following precautions:

1. Avoid contact with seals and wildlife as a general rule.
2. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow pets to approach or interact with seals or other wildlife.
3. If you notice a seal or any wild animal exhibiting unusual behaviour, eg showing excessive and uncharacteristic aggression or unusually docile behaviour, vocalising abnormally,  struggling with mobility or foaming at the mouth, please report it immediately to the SPCA or local wildlife authorities.
4. Ensure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
5. If you or your pet are bitten or scratched by a seal or any wild animal, seek medical attention immediately.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is in contact with the relevant authorities and our wildlife team is ready and equipped to handle any reports of distressed or potentially rabid animals. Please call 0217004158/9 for assistance.

Again, because rabies can be fatal if not treated promptly, every person bitten by a seal is urged to seek immediate medical attention and to notify the relevant authorities. The same applies to any pet bitten by a seal.

There has already been a case of rabies confirmed in a pet dog residing in the Capri area of the Southern Peninsula in Cape Town.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline doctors have been advised to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis for anyone who is bitten by a seal.

If bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, your first step is to clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. This is a critical step and one that you can take immediately. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to seek further medical attention. Here, you will be assessed and arrangements made for you to receive post-exposure prophylaxis, which usually includes a series of rabies vaccinations as well as RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), depending on the nature of the bite. RIG are not available everywhere – the doctor will guide you as to your next step. The doctor can call the nearest public sector hospital to determine where vaccine and RIG stocks are available.

[source:capetowngov]