Another rabies alert: Second case confirmed in seals along Kommetjie coastline
Outdoor correspondent Jeff Ayliffe has the latest on the seal situation along the Western Cape coastline.
Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) - Wikimedia Commons/Hans Hillewaert
Jeff Ayliffe joins Sara-Jayne Makwala King for the Outdoor Report.
Officials recently responded to a callout about a potential rabid seal at Long Beach, Kommetjie.
On assessment, it was confirmed that the Cape fur seal was showing neurological signs of rabies.
It had already bitten another seal before dying on the site and had been in an altercation with three dogs, reports outdoor correspondent Jeff Ayliffe.
"State veterinary tests did confirm rabies, making it the second case in two weeks on the Kommetjie coastline."
Jeff Ayliffe, Outdoor Correspondent
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Be very aware and cautious if you spend any time on the beach at Kommetjie, Ayliffe urges.
News24 reports that Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa said brutality towards seals appears to be on the rise since the rabies virus was detected in the Cape fur seal population.
NEVER approach a seal.
Also keep any dogs on leash when there are seals about.
"And if you're in the ocean and you see a seal approach, you have to leave the water as soon as possible."
Jeff Ayliffe, Outdoor Correspondent
Country Animal Clinic has the following advice if you are bitten by a seal:
Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and seek immediate medical attention for rabies treatment.
Scroll up to listen to the Outdoor Report (seal discussion at 00:51)