The Directorate of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed that a case of rabies was detected in a Cape fur seal at the Walvis Bay Lagoon.

The Central Veterinary Laboratory says the Cape fur seal was observed with clinical signs suspected to be those of rabies on the 13th of this month when it died of the disease.

This is the first case of a seal reported with rabies in the country, indicating that the most common source of exposure to humans to the rabies virus is dogs.

The Ministry of Agriculture has urged the public to refrain from interacting with Cape fur seals or other wild animals and to remain vigilant for any signs of the disease in seals.

These are aggressive behaviours: attempting to bite people, animals, or objects; appearing confused; or struggling to move properly. 

The signs also include excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth, as well as emitting strange cries, barks, or continuous vocal sounds.

If bitten or scratched by a rabid seal, people are encouraged to wash the wound thoroughly with soap for ten to fifteen minutes and seek medical attention immediately. 

Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It is transmissible to all mammals and has a 100% mortality rate.

It is transmitted through saliva, typically via bites or scratches.