Surfers off the Cape Coast are under serious threat from attacks by rabies-infected sea lions, prompting concern, scientific research and urgent action.
On 11 July, several media outlets reported numerous cases of surfers bitten by rabies-infected sea lions near the Cape Coast. Last month, a single sea lion was reported to have been responsible for several bites, causing great concern among swimmers and boaters. In addition, several potentially infected sea lion carcasses have recently been found on local beaches. Despite warnings from South Africa’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases advising against any contact with these animals, delays in removing the carcasses are worrying local residents.
Scientists at the University of Pretoria, who have been concerned for years about the increasing aggressiveness of these mammals, are trying to determine the cause of this behaviour by sequencing viruses. Meanwhile, the local conservation and research organisation Sea Search is testing previously captured sea lions. The Cape fur sea lion population, a protected species, is estimated at around two million individuals.
