[imagesource:animalbio]

You’re going to want to keep yourself, your kids and your pets at a safe distance from any seals or sea animals that you come across on the beaches and coastlines this summer.

Since testing started in May, 24 confirmed cases of rabies have been recorded in Cape fur seals in the Western Cape.

An additional 14 positive retrospective brain samples, going back to August 2022, have been confirmed, the City of Cape Town said on Thursday.

Given that this is the first documented rabies infection in a marine mammal population, there remain many uncertainties, said the city, ahead of World Rabies Day on Saturday.

“While positive cases of rabies in seals continue to be confirmed across the Western Cape, the effect on the seal population remains unknown.”

The public health advisory says that pre-exposure vaccination for rabies is not recommended for the public at this time. However, anyone bitten or scratched by a seal must seek immediate medical attention and receive post-exposure prophylaxis vaccination for rabies.

“Additionally, all domestic dogs must be up to date with their rabies vaccination,” the advisory warned.

A reminder, too, that harassing, feeding, touching and handing seals is illegal.

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 move away immediately and report it 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 National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline doctors have been advised to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis for anyone who is bitten by a rabid 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.

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

[source:sowetanlive]