An intergovernmental committee has been established to understand the scale and extent of the rabies disease in the Cape Fur Seal population. 

 

At least five cases have been recorded in the Cape since October. The committee, which includes the City of Cape Town, Department of Fisheries and Environment, marine mammal experts, and vets are also tasked with devising and implementing a range of management interventions. 

 

These include monitoring, sampling and testing. The City says there is no need for panic noting that while rabies is new in Cape Fur Seals, it’s endemic in many wildlife populations in South Africa. 

 

The public has been advised to keep their distance from seals both in the water and on land.