18/04/2026
The recent rabies outbreak among Cape fur seals in South Africa (first confirmed in June 2024) is a groundbreaking event, as it marks the first time the virus has been documented as endemic (self-sustaining) in a marine mammal population.
While there have been several reports of aggressive, rabid seals attacking surfers, swimmers, and harbor workers, there have been NO CONFIRMED HUMAN DEATHS from seal-transmitted rabies to date, largely due to rapid Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatments.
If you encounter a seal behaving strangely (overly aggressive, disoriented, or unusually "friendly"), stay well away and report it to local NSRI, CapeNature or SPCA authorities immediately.
Cape Town’s coastline has long been home to thousands of Cape fur seals, and encounters with them are typically peaceful and non-aggressive. Recently,…