First Recorded Rabies Outbreak in South Africa’s Seals Alarms Scientists

First Recorded Rabies Outbreak in South Africa’s Seals Alarms Scientists

For the first time in recorded history, scientists have confirmed an outbreak of rabies among marine mammals. The discovery was made in Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) along South Africa’s coastline. Researchers traced the virus to a terrestrial source, most likely black-backed jackals, and genetic analysis shows that rabies has now begun spreading between seals themselves.

 How It Began

The virus is believed to have jumped from infected jackals to seals along the shore, possibly through contact with carcasses or bites. Rabies had previously never been recorded as sustained in a marine population. Retrospective testing revealed that the disease may have been circulating undetected since 2021, highlighting gaps in oceanic disease surveillance.

 Why It Spread

Cape fur seals live in large colonies where biting and close contact are common, allowing saliva-borne viruses to spread quickly. Young seals often migrate between colonies, further accelerating transmission. Because seals have no prior immunity and vaccination in wild populations is nearly impossible, containment is a serious challenge.

 Impacts on Wildlife and People

 Rabies is now considered endemic in some Cape fur seal groups, posing new threats to both marine ecosystems and humans. In recent months, aggressive seal attacks on swimmers and surfers have increased around Cape Town. Although no human rabies cases have been confirmed, health authorities are urging anyone bitten or scratched to seek immediate medical care and post-exposure vaccination. Dog owners are also reminded to keep pets leashed and vaccinated, as they may interact with infected seals.

What It Means

This outbreak marks a major shift in our understanding of rabies. Once thought to be a strictly terrestrial disease, it has now crossed into marine life. The event underscores how closely land and ocean ecosystems are connected, and how diseases can bridge that boundary under the right conditions.

Researchers are now monitoring the spread and sequencing viral samples to better understand how the virus adapted to marine hosts. While experimental seal vaccinations are being tested in a few high-contact areas, large-scale control remains nearly impossible.

Resources:

https://theecologist.org/2025/jul/14/rabies-sea

https://apnews.com/.../seals-rabies-south-africa...

https://www.caperadd.com/.../rabies-in-cape-fur-seals.../...

#endemic #rabies #SouthAfrica #Seals #animals #marineanimals #marinemammals #mammals #ocean #biodiversity #jackals #safety #rabie #disease #virus #infection #surfing #marinesports #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #ecosystem #environment #Capefurseals #africa #solutions