MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Two management committee members of the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (Smart) attended the One Health Marine Mammals Workshop in Cape Town last week.

Ursula Viljoen and Val Marsh met with 50 delegates from across South Africa, Brazil and Namibia to discuss the current challenges associated with seals infected with the fatal rabies virus, as well as the first case recorded in South Africa of a seal infected with HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza).

This seal was captured in Mossel Bay in April by Smart and Dr Frans de Graaff of the Hartenbos Animal Hospital.

The workshop discussed the latest developments and disease progressions, and also led to invaluable networking.

“It was stated by the organisers that Smart has established the gold standard model for rescue groups operating along our coastline. We salute our veterinary team and volunteers for their commitment and dedication,” said Smart. 

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