COASTAL OUTBREAK: Rabid seals bite at least 176 people as fatal disease spreads, threatening other species
At least 176 people have been bitten by Cape fur seals during the marine rabies outbreak along the western and southern coast of South Africa. Scientists warn that the disease is now endemic to this species and fear that it could also spill over to infect more vulnerable seals and marine mammals as far south as Antarctica and crucial breeding refuges such as Marion Island.
At least 176 people have been bitten by Cape fur seals along South Africa's western and southern coastline due to a marine rabies outbreak. Scientists warn that this disease is now endemic to the seals and may spread to other marine mammals, potentially reaching Antarctica and breeding grounds such as Marion Island. Due to the lack of practical vaccination methods for wild seals, control measures remain implausible. This could pose risks to public health, marine tourism, and other vulnerable marine species.
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