Scientists in South Africa say they have identified the first known outbreak of rabies in seals

Tests on dead Cape fur seals in South Africa have shown some had rabies. Scientists say they believe it's the first evidence of the incurable disease spreading in a marine mammal species.

September 20, 2024 - 4:08 PM

A Cape fur seal on Seal Island near Cape Town, South Africa, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht)

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Scientists in South Africa say they have identified an outbreak of rabies in seals that is believed to be the first time the virus has spread in sea mammals.

At least 24 Cape fur seals that were found dead or euthanized in various locations on South Africa’s west and south coast had rabies, state veterinarian Dr. Lesley van Helden said.

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