The seals along the coast of South Africa have attacked both humans and each other, and at least 17 cases of rabies have been identified among the seals. Scientists in South Africa are now working to prevent further spread of rabies among the seal population.
– Our biggest concern right now is that this spreads to another species of marine mammal, says Tess Gridley, founder of Sea Search.
Rabies is a very deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted from animals to humans via saliva, usually through bites. Once symptoms begin to appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Hear more about the rabies outbreak among the seals in South Africa in the video above.