Overstrand Municipality has confirmed seven dead seals found in Pringle Bay and Pearly Beach tested positive for rabies.
The OM Municipal manager, Dean O’Neill, stated: “Rabies detected in the Cape Fur Seal population has spread from beaches in Blouberg, Strand, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Plettenberg Bay to the Overstrand coastline.
“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services confirmed it had found dead seals that tested positive for rabies in Pringle Bay and Pearly Beach. To date there are seven confirmed cases of rabies in Cape Fur Seals since October 2023.”
The municipality went on to say current public health advisory indicates that the public shouldn’t rush to get the rabies vaccination, but cautioned that anyone bitten by a seal should seek immediate medical assistance and get Post Exposure Prophylaxis.
Seals are a normal part of our coastline and one should expect to see seals on the shoreline and expect to see seal carcasses on beaches. These do not equate to or are as a result of rabies.
Residents are asked to adhere to the following guidelines (which should be adhered to regardless of disease in coastal wildlife):. Please keep your distance at all times from seals (in the water and on land);. Do not interfere with, attempt to handle, touch or restrain a seal;. Remember, it is illegal to harm or interfere with a seal;. Ensure that your dog is under your control at all times and preferably on a lead wherever seals may occur;. Do not touch, handle or consume a seal carcass or any parts of it.
Report any incidences or attacks/bites involving seals immediately to the Environmental Management Section of Overstrand Municipality on 028 316 3724 (o/h), Fire and Rescue Emergency Control Room on 028 312 2400 or your nearest vet.
