https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240909/rabies-outbreak-among-seals-threatens-south-africas-coastline-1068210249.html
Rabies Outbreak Among Seals Threatens South Africa's Coastline
Rabies Outbreak Among Seals Threatens South Africa's Coastline
Sputnik Africa
The outbreak, which is the world's first known significant rabies infection in marine mammals, has raised concerns about the potential for rabies transmission... 09.09.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-09-09T14:50+0200
2024-09-09T14:50+0200
2024-09-10T13:56+0200
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A concerning rabies outbreak has been confirmed among seals along a 650km stretch of South African coastline between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. At least 17 seals have tested positive for the virus, with the number expected to rise as further testing is conducted, Al Jazeera reported.The discovery follows a series of unusual incidents, including a seal that bit five surfers in Cape Town in May. The unprecedented aggressive behavior prompted researchers to test several seals for rabies, including the one involved in the attack, and confirmed the virus in three out of four.In addition, retrospective testing of 130 seal samples collected over the past three years as part of an unrelated investigation by the South African NGO Sea Search also yielded positive results for rabies.While research is ongoing, experts believe that the seals contracted rabies from black-backed jackals, which are known to carry the virus and prey on seal pups in coastal colonies.At least one domestic dog in Cape Town has reportedly contracted rabies from a seal bite. Fortunately, none of the humans bitten by infected seals have developed the disease.
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Rabies Outbreak Among Seals Threatens South Africa's Coastline
14:50 09.09.2024 (Updated: 13:56 10.09.2024) Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
The outbreak, which is the world's first known significant rabies infection in marine mammals, has raised concerns about the potential for rabies transmission to humans and other animals.
A concerning rabies outbreak has been confirmed among seals along a 650km stretch of South African coastline between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. At least 17 seals have tested positive for the
virus, with the number expected to rise as further testing is conducted, Al Jazeera reported.
The discovery follows a series of unusual incidents, including a seal that bit five surfers in Cape Town in May. The unprecedented aggressive behavior prompted researchers to test several
seals for rabies, including the one involved in the attack, and confirmed the virus in three out of four.
In addition, retrospective testing of 130 seal samples collected over the past three years as part of an unrelated investigation by the South African NGO Sea Search also yielded positive results for rabies.
While research is ongoing, experts believe that the seals contracted rabies from black-backed jackals, which are known to carry the virus and prey on seal pups in
coastal colonies.
At least one domestic dog in Cape Town has reportedly contracted rabies from a seal bite. Fortunately, none of the humans bitten by infected seals have developed the disease.
