14/11/2025
We believe that informed communities are safe communities.
With recent updates from conservation and government authorities, we want to share clear, reliable information about rabies and safe interactions with wildlife — helping beachgoers and pet owners enjoy our coastline with confidence.
Recent seal–human interactions, combined with confirmed cases of rabies in Cape fur seals, have created a new context for beach safety. Being informed helps all of us navigate this responsibly and safely.
🦠 Understanding Rabies
Rabies is a severe, fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals — including humans, dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, and marine mammals.
It spreads through the saliva of an infected animal via:
• Bites
• Scratches contaminated with saliva
• Saliva contact with broken skin or mucous membranes
Once clinical signs appear, rabies is almost always 100% fatal. Immediate action after exposure is essential.
🦭 Rabies in Cape Fur Seals
Recent updates from the Department of Agriculture (DALRRD) and CapeNature confirm that rabies is now endemic in Cape fur seals along the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape (up to Algoa Bay).
What does “endemic” mean?
A disease is considered endemic when it is regularly present and circulating within a population.
This does NOT mean every seal is infected — rather, it means new cases can appear at any time because the disease is established in the local seal population.
Official information sources:
DALRRD (2025): https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/agriculture-warns-public-and-travellers-bout-rabies-dogs-cape-fur-seals-and
CapeNature (2025): https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2025/public-urged-to-avoid-cape-fur-seals-amid-rabies-risk
🦭 Safety Tips Around Seals
• Give seals plenty of space — both on the beach and in the water
• Never approach, touch, feed, or attempt to move a seal
• Keep dogs on a lead near seal resting areas
• Report unusual, distressed, or aggressive seal behaviour
• Do not handle seal pups — contact trained authorities
• Disturbing seals without a permit is illegal under NEMBA/TOPS regulations
🧬 How rabies affects animals:
After entering through a bite or scratch, the virus
1.Infects local nerve tissue
2.Moves toward the spinal cord and brain
3.Causes inflammation of the brain and nervous system
4.Spreads to the salivary glands — making the animal infectious
Animals with rabies may show:
• Sudden behaviour changes
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness or paralysis
• Wobbliness or disorientation
• Continuous vocalising
• Seizures
• Coma
🐾 How Do We Protect Your Pets?
• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date - contact your vet, who will guide you on exactly when your pet is due for their next vaccination.
• Keep dogs on a lead near wildlife and avoid all contact with seals
• If contact occurs: wash the area for 10–15 minutes and notify your vet and the local State Veterinarian immediately (see contact details below)
• Provide details of the incident (what happened, wound type, vaccination history)
• Do not allow your pet to have any further contact with other pets or people until you receive guidance from the State Veterinarian
• Maintain good parasite control and overall pet health
🔗 Find contact details for Provincial Veterinary Services:
https://www.nda.gov.za/index.php/component/content/article/451-provincial-veterinary-services-contacts
What about people?
Any physical contact with a seal — including bites, scratches, or exposure to saliva — must be considered high risk. Seek medical advice immediately.
*Wash the area with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes
*The person must then be taken to the nearest hospital to receive post-exposure prophylactic treatment against rabies
*The patient needs to inform the hospital personnel that the bite, scratch, or lick is from a seal that may be rabid
*Follow all medical guidance for post-exposure treatment
If the incident occurs in the water:
• The beach may be temporarily closed
• Lifeguards/Shark Spotters will alert:
– CapeNature
– State Veterinarian
– Municipal Disaster Management
– Marine Stranding Networks
• Authorities will monitor the seal until it leaves or is safely removed
• The beach will reopen once it is safe
📸 If possible, capture a video of the seal’s behaviour and send it, along with a location pin, to CapeNature at 083 236 2924. This will be shared with the appropriate marine stranding network for assessment and planned reaction.
💚 We’re Here to Support You
If you have questions about rabies, vaccinations, or seal safety, our team at Bergzicht Animal Hospital – Big Bay is here to help guide and support our community.
