Roberta De Carolis Despite warnings from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, delays in removing the carcasses are causing concern among residents and tourists.
A surge of dead seals, potentially infected with rabies, has washed up on the beaches of Cape Town. Despite warnings from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), delays in removing the carcasses are increasing the risk of infection and fueling public fear.
Several residents have raised the alarm, reporting dead seals that have not been removed for days. For example, at Milnerton Beach, a carcass reported on June 28 had still not been removed by early July.
Cape Town’s extensive coastline and seal population
Cape Town, with its numerous beaches and a coastline extending over 186 miles (300 kilometers), is home to thousands of Cape fur seals, a species native to Southern Africa.
“Seals naturally die, but with a recent confirmed case of rabies in Blouberg, it’s concerning that a dead seal reported for removal on June 28 was still there by July 4,” said environmentalist Caroline Marx.
Rare occurrence of rabies in seals
Rabies in seals is rare, with the only known case of viral disease in a seal recorded in the Svalbard Islands, Norway, in 1980.
Rabies is often a fatal disease transmitted through contact with the saliva of infected animals. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and progressive neurological dysfunction.
NICD’s warning to the public
The NICD has urged residents and tourists to be cautious and avoid contact with seals. Anyone bitten by a seal should seek immediate medical assistance and inform the authorities.
“Following the recent confirmation of rabies in Cape fur seals along the Western Cape coast, residents and travelers are advised to be cautious when visiting our coastline,” stated the NICD.
In recent years, the area has seen many seal deaths. In November 2021, Western Cape officials reported burying almost 200 dead seals in one day after their carcasses were washed ashore, suspected to be due to malnutrition.
Official response and public concern
Despite the alarm, the city’s Coastal Manager, Gregg Oelofse, downplayed the situation, stating that it is normal to find seal carcasses on the coast and that this is not related to rabies.
However, residents remain worried and are calling for swift action from authorities to remove the carcasses and ensure public safety.
Critical situation and call for action
The situation remains critical, with attention focused on the authorities to act promptly to prevent further public health risks.
