Rabies is a serious viral disease affecting mammals, including humans. It targets the nervous system, leading to severe brain disease that is typically fatal if untreated. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning the virus can transmit between animals and people. Understanding its presence in wildlife populations is important for animal health and public safety.
Can Seals Contract Rabies?
While rabies is most commonly associated with terrestrial mammals like foxes, bats, raccoons, and domestic dogs, seals are susceptible to the virus. Historically, confirmed cases in marine mammals have been rare. For instance, a single case was reported in a ringed seal in Norway’s Svalbard islands in the early 1980s, believed to have been infected by an Arctic fox.
Recent reports indicate an outbreak in Cape fur seals along the South African coast, starting in late 2021 and continuing into 2024. This outbreak is considered the first documented instance of rabies spreading among marine mammals. Scientists suspect these seals may have contracted the virus from black-backed jackals in Namibia, which are known to prey on seal pups. Genetic analysis of the virus in affected seals has shown a close match to rabies found in these jackals. Once introduced, the virus appears to be transmitting between seals, likely through bites, especially in their dense colonies.
Signs of Illness in Seals
Changes in a seal’s behavior or physical condition can indicate illness, potentially including rabies. Signs include lethargy, a lack of response to surroundings, or unusual disorientation. An affected seal may also show abnormal aggression or an unusual lack of fear towards humans, a significant departure from their typical cautious behavior.
Other signs of distress include difficulty moving, visible wounds or swellings, and cloudy or discharging eyes. Less common signs include seizures or foaming at the mouth. Many conditions, such as harmful algal blooms, can cause similar symptoms. Regardless of the specific cause, any seal exhibiting these behaviors should be approached with extreme caution.
Safe Practices Around Seals
When encountering seals, maintaining a safe distance is important for your safety and the animal’s well-being. Stay at least 50 to 100 yards away from seals on land or in the water. This distance minimizes disturbance and reduces any potential risk of disease transmission. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to interact with seals, as they are wild animals capable of defending themselves.
If you encounter a seal that appears sick, injured, or distressed, do not attempt to intervene. Instead, contact local wildlife authorities, marine mammal stranding networks, or animal control services immediately. These organizations have trained professionals to assess the situation safely and provide appropriate care. Keep pets on a leash and away from seals, as they can disturb wildlife and potentially transmit or contract diseases.