As the holiday season approaches, South Africans and travellers are being warned about the increased risk of rabies.
This alert comes from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
The joint statement highlights the dangers of rabies in dogs, Cape fur seals and other animals across the country.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects both animals and humans. Heightened awareness this season is critical to keeping communities safe, especially with reports of rabies in traditionally unexpected animals like Cape fur seals.
What is rabies and why is it dangerous?
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites, scratches or licks on broken skin or mucous membranes.
Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal in both humans and animals.
However, rabies is completely preventable through vaccination and immediate medical intervention. If you are exposed to a potentially rabid animal, urgent action can save your life.
High-risk areas
Rabies is present in all nine provinces of South Africa, but certain regions have higher risks than others.
The NICD has reported rabies cases in dogs from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and North West in 2024. These provinces have historically experienced outbreaks and the disease remains a significant public health concern.
In a concerning development, rabies has been confirmed in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline. According to the NICD, there have been several reports of aggressive attacks on humans by rabid seals in recent months.
This is the first recorded instance of rabies being maintained within a marine mammal population, and the public is urged to remain cautious.
Affected areas include the coastline of the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape, extending up to Algoa Bay. As seals are wild animals, maintaining a respectful distance is strongly advised to prevent potential exposure.
How to identify rabies in animals
Animals infected with rabies may show abnormal behaviour due to brain inflammation. Signs to watch for include:
- Excessive drooling or inability to swallow.
- Paralysis or weakness.
- Aggression, barking, whining or howling.
- Uncharacteristic tameness or lethargy.
- Continuous vocalisations.
- Comatose or weakened states.
Common carriers of rabies in South Africa include:
- Dogs and cats.
- Wild animals like jackals, foxes and mongooses.
- Livestock.
- Marine mammals, such as Cape fur seals.
If you encounter an animal behaving unusually, do not approach it. Instead, report it to your local state veterinary office, wildlife rescue centre or police.
What to do if exposed to a rabid animal
If you are bitten, scratched or licked by a potentially rabid animal, follow these steps immediately:
1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial in reducing the risk of infection.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. Visit the nearest clinic or hospital for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes a series of rabies vaccinations.
3. Report the incident to local authorities to ensure the animal is managed appropriately.
Delays in treatment can cost lives, so acting quickly is essential.
Tips for pet owners:
One of the best ways to prevent rabies is by vaccinating your pets. In South Africa, it is mandatory by law to vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Keeping pets vaccinated and up to date with their shots ensures they — and your family — remain safe.
Vaccinate your pets regularly. Consult your local state veterinarian, private vet or animal welfare organisation for affordable vaccination options.
Keep your pets under control. When walking dogs, use a leash to prevent interactions with stray or wild animals.
Avoid contact with stray animals or wildlife, especially in high-risk areas.
The holiday season often involves outdoor activities and travel, increasing the chances of encountering animals in unfamiliar environments. To stay safe:
- Avoid touching stray or unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.
- Educate children about the risks of rabies and encourage them to report any animal interaction to an adult.
- Be cautious when visiting coastal areas, and maintain a safe distance from wild animals like seals.