The City of Cape Town is advising the public to stay away from seals as far as possible, and with immediate effect.
The Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services has confirmed this afternoon, 7 June 2024, that a Cape Fur Seal off the coast at Big Bay has tested positive for rabies. This seal died on 22 May and the laboratory results came in earlier today.
As such, the public must take extra precaution to stay away from Cape Fur Seals as far as possible, and to not, under any circumstances, allow their dogs close to these animals. This precaution applies to the entire Cape Peninsula coastline.
Any person bitten by a seal is urged to seek immediate medical attention, and to notify the relevant authorities. The same applies to any pet bitten by a seal.
The authorities will continue to investigate and will keep the public informed.
See the following links for recent media releases with more information about rabies:
· https://www.westerncape.gov.za...
· https://www.capetown.gov.za/Me...
End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: media.account@capetown.gov.za
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