RABIES IN SEAL AND HER UNBORN PUP

MOSSEL BAY NEWS – Local veterinarians and the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) have described the recent finding of a seal at The Point and its unborn pup as “a groundbreaking and unprecedented discovery,” as both have tested positive for rabies.

Dr. Greg Hofmeyr, curator of marine mammals at Bayworld in Gqeberha and a marine biologist, stated that this is the first known case of a seal transmitting the rabies virus to its unborn pup.

De Graaff reported that S.M.A.R.T. was alerted on September 25 about an adult seal at The Point in Mossel Bay exhibiting neurological signs of rabies.

“S.M.A.R.T. volunteers closely monitored the seal throughout the day, sharing various videos of her behavior with all involved parties, including seal behaviour experts.

“Ultimately, it was determined that S.M.A.R.T. needed to capture her, and euthanasia was recommended by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, along with several other organizations,” De Graaff added.

Help

S.M.A.R.T. spokesperson Val Marsh reported that, with assistance from the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) in Mossel Bay and the local municipal Law Enforcement, the seal was successfully captured and transported to Hartenbos Animal Hospital for evaluation.

De Graaff confirmed that the seal was an adult female, noting that the contractions observed by S.M.A.R.T. might have indicated that she was about to abort her pup.

“Upon arrival, she was very agitated and aggressively attacked the containment net. Reports from S.M.A.R.T. and the GRSPCA indicated signs such as stargazing behaviour (where the head and neck are raised almost vertically), convulsions, and possible hydrophobia (extreme fear of water).

“She experienced severe convulsions at the hospital. After consulting with all relevant parties and receiving permission to euthanize, the veterinary team at Hartenbos Animal Hospital sedated her and performed the procedure in a humane manner,” he explained.

“Following euthanasia, further examination confirmed that she was pregnant with a premature seal pup. Dr. Anthony Creighton collected samples from both the mother and the premature fetus to test for rabies, to determine if the virus can infect premature young.”

Rare

Hofmeyr noted that he and the relevant authorities only became aware of the rabies outbreak in seals earlier this year, stating, “Everything is completely new, and we are relying on what we’ve learned from rabies in other species.”

He explained, “While rabies transmission from mother to fetus has occurred in other species, it is quite rare. The virus is typically spread through saliva. There have been a few cases in dogs and humans where the disease was transmitted from mother to unborn child, but again, such occurrences are uncommon,” Hofmeyr said.

Pup season

Hofmeyr explained that Cape fur seals breed seasonally, with the “pupping season” typically occurring from late October to early January.

“During November, December, and January, the Cape fur seal colonies will be at their peak,” he noted.

He added that many adult males will be present on the beaches, defending their territories, while mothers protect their pups.

“With more locals and tourists frequenting the beaches, the key to reducing the risk of bites is public awareness and disseminating information about rabies,” he emphasized.

“If animals are infected with rabies and show symptoms, this is the time of year they are most likely to transmit the virus to one another.”

Hofmeyr mentioned that pups are usually born on islands, specifically Seal Island, located between Dias Beach and Bay View Beach, near Mossel Bay. There are concerns about pups potentially being bitten by infected seals and subsequently washing ashore or becoming stranded on the mainland.

Four cases

This recent positive case brings the total number of rabies infections in seals in the greater Mossel Bay area to four since July 17, excluding the unborn pup.

Mary James, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, encourages the public to remain vigilant regarding seals or other animals exhibiting unusual behaviour. She advises keeping a safe distance, reporting any incidents to the local state veterinary office, and ensuring that their dogs’ and cats’ rabies vaccinations are current.

The Mossel Bay Municipality announced that it held its first cross-functional workshop on rabies in Cape fur seals in July this year.

“In line with the efforts of other state agencies, such as the Western Cape Department of Health, public awareness campaigns will continue across various media platforms to reach a wide audience. Information will be updated as necessary,” the municipality stated.

If you spot any seals onshore or witness any related incidents, please report them immediately to S.M.A.R.T. at 072 227 4715, Dr. Hofmeyr at 071 724 2122, or the municipality at 044 606 5000 (available 24 hours).