The City of Cape Town is advising the public to stay away from seals as far as possible, and with immediate effect, after the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services confirmed on Friday that a Cape Fur Seal off the coast at Big Bay has tested positive for rabies.

This seal died on 22 May 2024 and the laboratory results came in on 7 June.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says a further two suspected cases from different areas are pending confirmation.

Residents are urged to take extra precaution to stay away from Cape Fur Seals as far as possible, and to not, under any circumstances, allow their dogs close to these animals.

This precaution applies to the entire Cape Peninsula coastline.

Any 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.

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.

The SPCA is also in contact with the relevant authorities and their wildlife team is ready and equipped to handle any reports of distressed or potentially rabid animals.

The confirmed case comes after a case of rabies in dogs, and a second suspected case, was confirmed in the Capri community on the Cape Peninsula on 29 May.

The dogs were from the same household, and, as a precautionary measure, they had to be humanely euthanised to prevent the potential spread of this serious and often fatal disease.

Veterinary officials are working to determine the source of the infection as rabies infections in dogs are very rare in the Western Cape.

The public is urged to be vigilant and cautious of any unusual changes in behaviour in animals, especially dogs.

Rabies is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal or licking of broken skin.

It is crucial to ensure the following:

• Monitor your pets: Keep a close eye on your pets for any signs of unusual behaviour such as aggression, excessive drooling, paralysis, or difficulty swallowing.
• Update rabies vaccinations: Ensure that your dogs’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies and protect both your pets and your family and is required by law.
• Avoid stray animals: Avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and do not approach or attempt to handle any animal showing signs of aggression or illness.
• Report suspected cases: If you suspect any animal in the community may be infected with rabies, please report it to your local state veterinarian immediately.
• If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that you think may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately.
• If bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, your first step is to clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes.
• 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.
• Note the animal’s location since it may need to be captured and monitored for any signs of rabies.
• If you know the owner of the animal that bit you, get all the information you can, including its vaccination status and the owner’s name and address.
• Notify your local health department and state vet, especially if the animal wasn’t vaccinated.