GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Amid concerns there could be more rabid seals after 12 tested positive for the disease, a seal biologist has urged people to avoid seals, just as they would avoid sharks.
Previously, Mossel Bay Advertiser reported there were 12 confirmed cases of rabies in Cape fur seals between Melkbosstrand and Plettenberg Bay in the last year, with the latest positive case in Mossel Bay.
Curator for marine mammals at Bayworld, Gqeberha, and seal biologist Dr Greg Hofmeyr said that while the majority of seals are probably fine, one could still not be sure if a seal was infected with rabies or not.
He said "rabies in seals is a new discovery and almost nothing is known".
The first rabies infections in seals would have likely come from being bitten by an infected dog or jackal and other infections in seals would come from being bitten by other rabid seals, he said.
When asked how quickly rabies could spread among the seal population, Hofmeyr said this would depend on many factors and it was completely unknown.
"Avoid areas that seals are known to frequent. Leave an area when you see a seal in the water. We are used to being careful of sharks. Now we will have to be careful of seals," said Hofmeyr.
Any seal that is excessively aggressive, unafraid or friendly on land, or in a coma or having seizures, could have rabies.
"Avoid all seals, alive or dead."
Hofmeyr added it is important to not demonise seals. "They are victims of a disease."
He advised people to call for help if they see any seals ashore or on the mainland. If you are injured by a seal, wash the wound out with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, let the relevant people know and seek medical attention, indicating that the seal that injured you might be rabid.
Report any seals ashore or incidents immediately to the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) on 072 227 4715, Dr Hofmeyr (071 724 2122), the municipality (044 606 5000 24/7) or the Garden Route SPCA (044 693 0824).
The rabid seal in Mossel Bay was captured on video on Wednesday, 17 July, attempting to jump from a gulley towards a young boy and man crossing a walkway above it, seemingly intending to bite them.
S.M.A.R.T. was alerted, went to the scene and after the necessary permission was granted, the seal was euthanised on the spot that day.
Western Cape Department of Agriculture spokesperson Mary James told the Advertiser the department was expecting more cases of rabies.
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