Emergence of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals, South Africa

Chuene Ernest Ngoepe; Lesley Van Helden; Wonderful Shumba; Laura C. Roberts; Deon Kriel; Munangatire Mparamoto; Claude Sabeta

doi:10.3201/eid3210.260179

July 27, 2026Emerging infectious diseasesOpen Access

Emergence of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals, South Africa

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Key Points

The research aims to understand the origin and transmission dynamics of the rabies virus in Cape fur seals.
Direct fluorescent antibody testing was used for rabies diagnosis in seals.
Phylogenetic analysis was performed to trace the origin of the virus from jackals to seals.
Observations included viral transmission within the seal population and spillover events into domestic dogs.
Rabies virus was confirmed in Cape fur seals through testing.
Phylogenetic analysis showed the virus was introduced from jackals into the seal population.
Evidence of sustained viral transmission in seals and subsequent spillover to a domestic dog was observed.

Implication

Investigation reveals rabies virus transmission among Cape fur seals, indicating wildlife health risks.

Abstract

Rabies was diagnosed in Cape fur seals by using direct fluorescent antibody testing in South Africa, 2024. We investigated the origin of rabies virus in this species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed virus introduction from jackals into seals, followed by sustained viral transmission within the seal population and spillover into a domestic dog.

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Cite This Study

Ngoepe et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a6af4d560e2b924d3ea0457 https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3210.260179

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Emergence of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals, South Africa

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Emergence of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals, South Africa

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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