Scientists make breakthrough in identifying first known rabies outbreak among seals in South Africa

Scientists in South Africa have identified the first known outbreak of rabies in seals, marking a significant development in understanding how the virus spreads among marine mammals. At least 24 Cape fur seals along the west and south coast of the country have been confirmed with rabies, according to state veterinarian Dr. Lesley van Helden.

This is the first time rabies transmission has been recorded in sea mammals, signaling a breakthrough in both veterinary science and public health. The discovery was made after tests on seal carcasses were conducted following an incident where a seal bit a dog on a Cape Town beach, leading to the dog’s infection.

Rabies, typically known to spread through animals like raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and domestic dogs, had previously been detected only once in a marine mammal, a ringed seal in Norway in the 1980s. That case, however, was an isolated event. In contrast, scientists now have evidence that rabies is being transmitted between seals in South Africa, a critical finding for both wildlife management and human safety.

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Van Helden highlighted that DNA sequencing confirmed the rabies virus in seals was closely related to strains found in black-backed jackals in Namibia, where these animals hunt seal pups. This breakthrough points to jackals as the likely source of the virus entering seal populations, a significant step toward managing and containing the outbreak.

Authorities are taking proactive measures to protect both animals and humans. Cape Town has begun vaccinating small numbers of seals at two popular harbors, where they are often a tourist attraction. The city has also issued public warnings about the situation, ensuring that people remain cautious but informed. Fortunately, no human cases of rabies have been reported.

While challenges remain—such as determining how to vaccinate larger populations of seals that migrate along a vast coastline—scientists and officials are working closely with international experts. The discovery offers a promising start to addressing and controlling the situation.

Despite the many unknowns, experts like Dave Daigle from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are cautiously optimistic. He noted that in past instances, new hosts for rabies, such as gray foxes in the U.S., eventually saw transmission stop. The focus now is on ensuring that this outbreak among seals can be effectively contained.

The collaboration between South African and international researchers is setting the stage for better understanding of marine mammal health and rabies management, offering hope for a long-term solution.