Niël Terblanché
Namibia has confirmed its first case of rabies in a Cape fur seal after the death of an infected animal at the Walvis Bay Lagoon on Friday.
The ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform said the seal showed signs of aggression and unusual behaviour before it died on Saturday. Laboratory tests conducted in Windhoek on Monday confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.
“This is the first case of rabies in a seal reported in Namibia. It is the first known outbreak of rabies in marine mammals in the region and one of the very few globally,” said Dr Johannes Shoopala, the acting chief veterinary officer of the directorate of veterinary services.
Shoopala noted that South Africa had recorded its first case of rabies in Cape fur seals in June 2024.
Rabies is a viral disease that is fatal in mammals once symptoms begin. It spreads mainly through bites or contact with the saliva of infected animals.
In Namibia, the disease is common, with domestic dogs being the main source of infection in humans.
Shoopala urged the public to stay away from seals and other wild animals.
“Do not approach, touch, or feed the seal no matter how peaceful or calm it looks,” he said.
He explained that rabies symptoms in seals include aggression, disorientation, odd sounds, excessive drooling, paralysis, tiredness, and death.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a seal, especially within the past year, should seek medical care immediately.
“Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, and inform the attending clinic or doctor that the seal may be rabid,” Shoopala said.
He added that post-exposure prophylaxis is essential in such cases.
The public was urged to report abnormal seal behaviour to the nearest state veterinarian, fisheries official, local municipal office, or the SPCA.
Shoopala also encouraged pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies and keep them away from wild animals.
