The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has confirmed a case of rabies in a Cape fur seal at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, located in the Erongo Region.
In an official statement, Chief Veterinarian Johaness Shoopala explained that the infected seal was first seen on June 13, 2025, exhibiting unusual behaviour and symptoms consistent with rabies, such as aggression, disorientation, and excessive salivation. The animal died the next day, and tissue samples were collected on June 14.
Tests carried out by the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek later confirmed the presence of the rabies virus on June 16, 2025.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal in both animals and humans if immediate medical attention is not sought.
The ministry has urged residents, particularly those living near coastal areas and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, to avoid contact with seals and other wild animals showing strange or aggressive behaviour. Pet owners are also reminded to keep their animals vaccinated against rabies, as the disease can easily spread from wildlife to domestic pets, posing serious risks to human health.
Further monitoring and surveillance are underway to prevent the spread of the virus to other animals or humans.
