MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A seal showing symptoms of neurological problems such as head bobbing and mild spasms on Bay View Beach, was euthanised on Tuesday, 6 May.
With three positive rabies cases in Cape fur seals in Mossel Bay since 10 March, the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) has been on high alert when it comes to seals in distress on local beaches.
S.M.A.R.T. committee member Val Marsh said it was not known whether the seal had rabies or not until the test results from the state vet had been processed.
She said the team had received reports of the distressed seal on Monday afternoon. The team headed out to the beach and monitored the seal, erecting danger tape and a board to warn people to stay away. The team left on Monday evening and went back early the following day.
Marsh said after consulting with various experts, including veterinarians, and gaining the necessary permission from the relevant authorities, the seal was euthanised.
Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay's Wally Wagenaer secures the seal. Photo: Michael de Nobrega
The body was taken by the Garden Route SPCA's Mossel Bay branch, where samples will be collected by the state vet and tested for rabies.
Marsh said the euthanasia was extremely sad, however, one could see that the seal was suffering. She thanked the SPCA for assisting with a difficult and heartbreaking situation.
She said the SPCA's team worked flawlessly and with great care and caution, ensuring the seal did not endure more stress and suffering in its final moments.
Rabies cases this year
The Mossel Bay Municipality said there had been three positive rabies cases in Cape fur seals this year.
The first was reported at The Point on 10 March, the second in Hartenbos on 23 March and the most recent in Tergniet on 12 April.
The seal carcass was removed from the beach and taken to the SPCA. Photo: Michael de Nobrega
S.M.A.R.T. had collected another seal from Dias Beach on 18 April, however, the rabies test results had come back negative.
The municipality said it is monitoring the situation and provides feedback to the authorities as and when potential cases are reported.
The municipality and S.M.A.R.T. have again urged the public not to approach marine animals. To report any instances of seals or other marine animals in distress or behaving unusually, contact S.M.A.R.T. (072 227 4715); Dr Greg Hofmeyr, the curator for marine mammals at Bayworld in Gqeberha (071 724 2122); or Mossel Bay Municipality (all hours, 044 606 5000).
The seal. Photo: Michael de Nobrega
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