As World Rabies Day is observed today (Monday 28 September), CapeNature is urging residents and visitors to keep their distance from Cape fur seals and to act quickly if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or exposed to a seal’s saliva.

Rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline.

By the end of 2025, at least 176 people had reportedly been bitten by seals.

While most seals pose no threat to people, CapeNature says they remain wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with humans.

Seals regularly come ashore to rest, meaning the presence of a seal on a beach does not necessarily indicate that it is sick or stranded.

The public is urged to give seals plenty of space, keep children and pets away and contact trained authorities if an animal appears to need assistance.

A seal infected with rabies may behave aggressively, appear disoriented, move unusually or show little response to its surroundings. However, similar behaviour can also be caused by injury, illness or distress.

CapeNature therefore cautions the public not to attempt to diagnose, move or assist a seal themselves.

Mbulelo Jacobs, executive director: Conservation Operations at CapeNature said, World Rabies Day is an important reminder that simple precautions can protect both people and wildlife.

What to do after contact with a seal

Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. Exposure can also occur through scratches contaminated with saliva or if saliva comes into contact with broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a seal, or exposed to its saliva, should:

• Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek urgent medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
• Tell healthcare workers that the injury or exposure involved a seal that may have been infected with rabies.
• Follow all medical advice regarding rabies post-exposure treatment.
• Report the incident to the local municipality, lifeguards or relevant conservation authorities.

If it is safe to do so, members of the public can record a seal’s behaviour from a distance. A video, description and accurate location pin may help authorities assess the situation.

However, no one should approach a seal to obtain footage.

Keep pets away

Dogs and other pets should be kept away from seals, regardless of whether a seal appears healthy, sick, injured or dead.

Pet owners are also encouraged to ensure their dogs and cats have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

If a pet is bitten or scratched by a seal, or may have been exposed to seal saliva, owners should contact a private or state veterinarian immediately for advice.

The animal should not be allowed to interact with people or other animals until veterinary guidance has been received.

Public urged to give seals space

CapeNature reminds residents and visitors to:

• Keep a safe distance from seals on beaches, rocks, in harbours and in the water.
• Never touch, feed, pet, chase or attempt to move a seal.
• Keep dogs under control and away from seals.
• Leave the water calmly if a seal behaves aggressively or repeatedly approaches people.
• Follow instructions from lifeguards, conservation officials and municipal authorities.
• Report seals displaying aggressive, disoriented or otherwise concerning behaviour.

CapeNature says respecting wildlife and responding quickly to possible exposure can help reduce the risk to people, pets and Cape fur seals.

Suspected cases or concerning seal behaviour can be reported to CapeNature on 083 236 2924. Where possible, members of the public should provide a description, video taken from a safe distance and the exact location of the seal.