Plett Visitors Assured Of Safe Holiday Amid Rabies Among Seals

Cape Nature says measures have been put in place to ensure that holidaymakers to Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, can enjoy a safe trip to beaches in the area. This follows the recent rabies outbreak in seals .

Plettenberg Bay has had four confirmed cases of rabies and one suspected case in a population of approximately 8 000 seals.

The Bitou Municipality is working with conservation NGOs on handling situations, should they arise.

Chanel Visser is a senior marine field ranger for Cape Nature and coordinator of the Plett Marine Animal Stranding Network.

"We need to avoid direct contact and maintain a safe distance from seals. Theres a standard operating procedure I place for reporting and for response. All municipal workers in Plettenberg Bay have been trained by managing authorities relating to the standard operating procedure. We need to practice responsible wildlife viewing and try and maintain a distance of 50 metres from seals."