WARNING: 176 people bitten by seals as rabies risk grows

CapeNature has urged South Africans to stay away from Cape fur seals as rabies continues to pose a risk along the country’s coastline.

The conservation authority renewed its warning to mark World Rabies Day on Monday, 28 September, saying at least 176 people had been bitten by seals by the end of 2025.

Beachgoers, swimmers, surfers and pet owners should avoid approaching or touching seals, including animals that appear calm, injured or stranded.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a seal, or exposed to its saliva, should seek medical attention immediately.

Rabies detected in Cape fur seals

Authorities have detected rabies in Cape fur seals along South Africa’s coastline, raising concerns as warmer weather draws more people to beaches.

CapeNature executive director for Conservation Operations Mbulelo Jacobs warned that people should treat the animals as wildlife and give them space.

“Cape fur seals are an important part of our coastal ecosystem, but they remain powerful wild animals,” Jacobs said.

“The safest response is to keep your distance, avoid any interaction and report concerning behaviour to the relevant authorities.”

A seal lying on a beach does not necessarily need help. The animals regularly come ashore to rest, and people should not attempt to touch, feed or move them.

How to spot unusual seal behaviour

CapeNature said potentially concerning behaviour includes unusual aggression, disorientation, abnormal movement or limited response to surroundings.

However, these signs do not confirm rabies. Injured, ill or distressed seals can behave similarly.

People should therefore keep their distance and alert the relevant authorities instead of attempting to handle an animal.

Swimmers should calmly leave the water if a seal becomes aggressive or repeatedly approaches them.

What to do if a seal bites you

An infected animal can transmit rabies through its saliva, usually through a bite.

Saliva can also expose a person to the virus if it enters broken skin, a scratch, the eyes, nose or mouth.

CapeNature advises anyone exposed to immediately wash the affected area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

They should then seek urgent medical attention and tell healthcare workers about the possible rabies exposure.

Doctors will assess whether the patient requires rabies post-exposure treatment.

People should also report the incident to conservation authorities, lifeguards or the relevant municipality.

Keep pets away from Cape fur seals

CapeNature has also warned dog and cat owners not to allow their pets near seals, whether the animals appear healthy, sick, injured or dead.

Owners should ensure their pets’ rabies vaccinations remain up to date.

Anyone who suspects a pet has come into contact with seal saliva or suffered a bite or scratch should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Authorities marked World Rabies Day under the theme “Stronger Together”, highlighting vaccination, rapid treatment after possible exposure and public awareness as key measures against the deadly disease.