Earlier this month, the Western Cape Government received confirmation on a positive case of rabies found in a Bloubergstrand Cape Fur seal, causing major concern. The City of Cape Town Coastal Management and the Western Cape Veterinary Services are working to determine the origin and extent of the outbreak.
Also read: African penguins face extinction by 2035 without urgent action
The incident has prompted both the Western Cape Government as well as the SPCA to warn citizens and their animals to avoid contact with seals or other wildlife. Furthermore, any person bitten by a seal should seek immediate medical care.
The most urgent warning issued by these institutions however is for citizens to ensure that their animal’s rabies vaccines are up to date. The law mandates that all cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies by their owner as it remains an easily transmittable disease.
Guidelines have also been issued should a member of the public come into close contact with a suspected rabid animal. Firstly, the wound is to be cleaned with soap and water for 15 minutes immediately upon possible infection. Further medical attention should then be sought to allow for a doctor to guide your next steps.
The SPCA urges locals to follow these guidelines closely and heed the warnings as concern rises.
Also read:
WC dam levels surge as winter rains bring significant increases
Picture: Cape Town Tourism
