Science In Action
The spread of rabies into Cape fur seals
Aug 15, 2024
Professor Wanda Markotter, a leading expert at the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, discusses the alarming emergence of rabies among Cape fur seals, triggered by a seal biting a dog. She shares insights into the complexities of zoonotic disease transmission and stresses the urgent need for preventive measures to protect wildlife and humans. Wanda highlights the collaborative research efforts addressing this outbreak, revealing the ecological implications and the challenges of sampling live and deceased seals in the field.
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Quick takeaways
- The recent rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals highlights the challenges of wildlife health surveillance and the need for collaborative research efforts.
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Deep dives
Investigation into Rabies Outbreak in Seals
An unprecedented outbreak of rabies among Cape Fur seals in South Africa has raised concerns among wildlife health experts. Initially detected in June 2024 after a case in dogs, further research revealed that the rabies virus had likely been circulating among seals since at least August 2022, as previous samples indicated. The challenges of diagnosing rabies in seals stem from the need for brain tissue, complicating surveillance efforts. A collaborative approach among researchers and aquariums is underway to enhance understanding and manage the outbreak effectively.
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