A seal found at Sardinia Bay in Gqeberha has tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case in the city.
The incident is the second recorded case in the Eastern Cape, following a confirmed case in Jeffreys Bay late last year.
According to marine mammal biologist Dr Greg Hofmeyr of Bayworld, the latest incident occurred at Sardinia Bay on 8 January, during the late afternoon.
“The seal was reported by a member of the public to the lifeguards on duty and they contacted me.”
The animal was found to be displaying abnormal behaviour, prompting concern among officials.
“The seal was suspected of being rabid because it had good body condition and yet was having seizures and was foaming at the mouth,” said Hofmeyr.
“We collected a sample on the 9th of January, and we received the results on the 26th of January. This is the first case confirmed for Gqeberha.”
The test confirmed the presence of rabies, marking the first confirmed case in a seal in Gqeberha.
Dr Hofmeyr added that the closest prior case and the first recorded case in the Eastern Cape, occurred in Jeffreys Bay on 16 November.
“Four other seals with similar symptoms were recorded in the wider area during the same week. However, three tested negative and we could not recover the carcass for the fourth.”
Authorities have again urged members of the public to avoid contact with seals or any wildlife displaying unusual behaviour and to report such incidents to lifeguards or local authorities.
