First Known Rabies Outbreak in Seals Identified in South Africa

Scientists confirm the virus has spread among Cape fur seals, marking the first recorded instance of rabies in marine mammals.

At least 24 Cape fur seals found dead or euthanized along South Africa's west and south coast tested positive for rabies.
Rabies, typically seen in land mammals, was first suspected in seals after a rabid seal bit a dog on a Cape Town beach in June.
Genetic analysis revealed the virus in seals matched rabies strains found in black-backed jackals in Namibia, suggesting cross-species transmission.
Authorities have issued warnings and started vaccinating seals at popular harbors, although no human rabies cases have been reported so far.
Experts are investigating the spread within seal colonies and potential containment methods, but many unknowns remain about long-term impacts.