PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou municipality has amended its by-law covering dogs on beaches, making it mandatory that dogs remain leashed at all times on Plett beaches to minimise the possibility of a seal encounter, following the discovery of rabies among the local seal population.
In a statement released jointly by Plett Tourism, the Bitou municipality and CapeNature, it was said Plett has adopted safety measures in response to rabies in seals.
'Temporarily amended'
The statement said the by-law has been "temporarily amended… to ensure that dogs remain leashed at all times on Plett beaches to minimise the possibility of a seal encounter".
The amendment was announced on Facebook on 11 September.
"Please be advised that, due to the recent rabies outbreak in seals, all Bitou beaches will be designated as dog-on-a-leash areas starting from 11 September 2024.
Dead seals found
"This precautionary measure is being implemented to prevent the potential spread of rabies to other animals. We kindly request that all dog owners adhere to this requirement for the safety of our community," said the post.
Meanwhile, Plett resident Dave Mandel counted 31 dead seals on a stretch between Sanctuary Beach and Robberg on Monday 9 December.
'Health hazard'
"The least the municipality can do is clean them up. It is a health hazard and the stench is terrible," Mandel posted.
The joint statement said with scores of holidaymakers about to flood the Plettenberg Bay coastline, the Bitou municipality is adopting new safety measures in response to the outbreak of rabies in seals in the region.
'Mitigate run-ins'
"The municipality has partnered with the NSRI, first responders, local doctors, stranding networks, marine tourism companies, law enforcement, CapeNature, SANParks and other conservation organisations to manage and mitigate run-ins with rabid seals this summer," it said.
Bitou municipality environmental manager Anje Minne said Plettenberg Bay had four confirmed cases of rabies and one suspected case in 2024, and that they intended to avoid any further incidents through the collaboration.
'Operating procedure'
"The municipality has trained all employees on a standard operating procedure and urges the public to follow simple steps to avoid the risk of exposure and enjoy Plett's beautiful beaches in comfort."
Minne reassured beachgoers that Bitou's beaches remained safe for recreational use despite the recent discovery of rabies in Cape fur seals.
'Positive samples'
In June, a rabies outbreak was detected among South Africa's Cape fur seals, a species in which rabies had not previously been recorded.
Positive samples have since originated from the coast between Yzerfontein, near Cape Town, and Plettenberg Bay.
The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal when it bites, scratches or licks a person or another mammal.
The virus affects the brain and can be fatal.
Vaccinations
Animals infected with rabies show changes in behaviour and neurological signs.
There are rabies vaccinations for both humans and dogs, and Plett's clinics and vets are prepared for such a scenario.
Chanel Visser, senior marine field ranger for CapeNature and coordinator of the Plett Marine Animal Stranding Network, said residents and visitors were encouraged to follow responsible wildlife viewing practices, and not to feed, approach or touch any seals they encountered.
'Immediate treatment'
"Summer is seal breeding and pupping season, and live and dead seals may wash ashore during this time," Visser said.
"Everyone needs to play their part in keeping the Bitou community safe and minimising the spread of the virus.
"If a person has been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal that is suspected of having rabies, they are advised to wash the wound well with soap and running water for 10 minutes, and go to the nearest clinic immediately for treatment."
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