The first talk in the Garden Route on rabies in Cape Fur Seals, was presented by Chanel Visser at the Knysna Yacht Club on Tuesday evening the 29th. South Africa (and Namibia) are making history with the first ever cases of rabies in ocean dwelling mammals. The talk by Senior Marine Field Ranger at Cape Nature and marine stranding expert answered countless pertinent questions on this outbreak. Raising awareness at talks like these about the vital steps that can be taken to protect oneself is a key aspect of her work.
Rabies in Cape Fur Seals was first noticed four years ago when a few seals demonstrated unprovoked aggression. This virus, a wild strain possibly originating in Namibia, is endemic to the Cape Fur Seals, and is unlikely to be eradicated from the wild population. After the first case in Plettenburg Bay in January, the focus has turned to protecting people and minimizing our interaction with rabid individuals.
How do we know a seal has rabies?
Firstly, a key point to note is that only some individuals are infected (a total of four have been documented in Plettenburg Bay), so there’s no need to panic. A seal can be suspected of rabies when it demonstrates unusual behaviour, notably: unprovoked aggression; being unaware of its surroundings; attacking inanimate objects; and foaming at the mouth. A key indication of a potential case is when the seal demonstrates this behaviour but appears to be in good body condition. This is because while the incubation time of rabies can be long, it kills the animal quickly – they therefore don’t have a chance to deteriorate in condition. A skinny youngster resting on the beach for example, will likely not have rabies, and should be left to regain his strength undisturbed.
How is rabies spread?
This virus is transmitted through direct contact only: notably bites, licks, and scratches, where it travels along the nervous system to the brain. It is not spread in air or water. The virus remains contagious even after death, so Visser advised to keep dogs away from fresh carcasses. Rabies spreads slowly, and even though seals live in large colonies and the males fight amongst each other, no mass die-off of seals is predicted.
Only mammals can get rabies, so while it is highly unlikely for whales or dolphins to get it, vagrant species like the Elephant Fur Seal and the Sub-Antarctic Fur Seal do run the risk of contracting the virus while they are here. This is a potential issue especially for the Elephant Fur Seal, because they tend to stay and fight with the Cape Fur Seals. Authorities are vaccinating these individuals where possible as a preventative measure when they haul out on the coast for several weeks.
How is rabies studied?
This virus can only be analysed post-mortem in a test of the brain matter, so all carcasses are sent to Bayworld where the state vet can confirm the presence of rabies. Any videos of a seal displaying unusual behaviour are sent to the Plett Marine Animal Stranding Network (079 463 4837) where they are carefully analysed. If two or more experts agree that the seal has rabies, the individual is euthanized since there is no cure for the illness.
How does one stay safe?
Experts recommend that you remain calm and most importantly keep your distance from any suspicious seals. Take a video and pin drop of any seal displaying potentially rabid behaviour and report it to the number above. A preventative vaccine does exist, but it can be hard to come by. In the event of being bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap for 10 to 15 minutes (this step could very well save your life) and get to the nearest hospital that has the vaccine – at this stage the public hospital in George. The incubation period of this virus ranges from a few days to years depending on the severity of the wound. Keep dogs on leads when strolling the beaches (especially in Plett) and raise awareness about these safety measures where possible.
