12 cases of rabies in fur seals reported in Western Cape

At least 12 positive cases of rabies in Cape fur seals have been confirmed along the Western Cape coast so far, with the latest at the Point in Mossel Bay.

The seal was euthanised with permission from the responsible department and with the required officials on the scene after it was reported as being extremely aggressive.

It has since been confirmed that the seal had tested positive for rabies.

The Garden Route SPCA has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding wildlife on beaches.

The recent outbreak of rabies among seals is the world's first significant outbreak of the disease in marine mammals.

The first confirmed rabies case in a wild Cape fur seal was at Bloubergstrand in Cape Town earlier this year.