Rabies alert in Cape Fur Seals

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

7 JUNE 2024

URGENT NOTICE

City cautions public to stay away from seals due to a confirmed rabies case

The City of Cape Town is advising the public to stay away from seals as far as possible, and with immediate effect.

The Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services has confirmed this afternoon, 7 June 2024, that a Cape Fur Seal off the coast at Big Bay has tested positive for rabies. This seal died on 22 May 2024 and the laboratory results came in earlier today.

As such, the public must take extra precaution to stay away from Cape Fur Seals as far as possible, and to not, under any circumstances, allow their dogs close to these animals. This precaution applies to the entire Cape Peninsula coastline.

Any person bitten by a seal is urged to seek immediate medical attention, and to notify the relevant authorities. The same applies to any pet bitten by a seal.

The authorities will keep on investigating and keep the public informed.

See the following links for recent media releases with more information about0 rabies:
· https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/dog-rabies-confirmed-cape-peninsula
· https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Public%20cautioned%20to%20be%20alert%20following%20confirmed%20dog%20rabies%20case

End

Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town

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