Namibia: Between 8 and 13 November 2025, three additional rabies cases were confirmed in Cape fur seals in Walvis Bay (Pelican Point), Erongo Region, following the first case in June 2025 at Walvis Bay Lagoon (see EpiNews 23 June 2025). All samples tested positive, confirming ongoing transmission.
South Africa: Rabies in Cape fur seals has spread to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The first confirmed case involves multiple near-bite incidents involving surfers.
The South African Veterinary Association reports that rabies is becoming endemic among Cape fur seals along the Cape coast, marking an unprecedented shift from isolated incidents to ongoing transmission among marine mammals.
Infected seals displayed aggressive behavior, including biting and attacking surfers and boats, posing a direct risk to public safety.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services issued a public advisory urging visitors to exercise extreme caution in seal-inhabited areas. Stay away from seals as far as possible! Do not allow your dogs close to these animals either. Any person bitten by a seal is urged to seek immediate medical attention!
General advice:
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals and do not feed them! Travellers are advised to get a pre-exposure vaccination, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals working with animals, practicing surfing, riding two-wheelers, visiting remote areas, young children, cave explorers, or anyone who may come in contact with bats.
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!