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South African Veterinary Association Discourages Engagement With Cape Fur Seals This Holiday Season And Reminds Of Rabies Risk.

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South African Veterinary Association Discourages Engagement With Cape Fur Seals This Holiday Season And Reminds Of Rabies Risk.

The South African Veterinary Association urges the public to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during the upcoming summer holiday season when encountering Cape fur seals. While these marine mammals form an integral part of our coastal ecosystem, it is crucial to recognise that human-wildlife interactions can have severe consequences. Recently, reports of aggression related to positive rabies cases have been noted in Cape fur seal populations. Seals may also carry other diseases that can be transmitted to humans and have sharp teeth that can cause physical damage.

It should be noted that activities that disturb seals in general are illegal according to the NEMBA (National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act) TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) regulations without a permit. These activities include petting, as it disturbs the animal’s natural behaviour and exposes humans to potential dangers, including bites, scratches, infections and disease. Even in instances where a seal pup is found on a beach, people should avoid interacting with the animal. The public should contact the authorities who are trained and equipped to rescue and care for such animals.

While it is common for seals to haul out on beaches to rest, it is important to recognise any signs of distress or abnormal behaviour when encountering a seal. Seals may display defensive behaviour if they feel threatened or are injured. They may display aggressive or disoriented behaviour if infected by rabies. Rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or direct contact with saliva and is fatal for both humans and unvaccinated animals. 

The public is urged to stay away from seals, dead or alive, and not to touch or engage with them. Swimmers and surfers must remain extra vigilant while in the sea. If a seal is spotted, exit the water immediately and report it to the lifeguards or Municipal Authorities.

Dr Ziyanda Majokweni, President of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), says, “The recent confirmation of rabies in Cape fur seals is a stark reminder of the vigilance required when humans and wildlife share the same space. By keeping a safe distance from seals, avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, and ensuring dogs and cats are vaccinated, we can help prevent the spread of this deadly disease and protect both human and animal health during the busy holiday season”. 

In case of a seal bite/ scratch/ lick:

  • If a seal bites/scratches someone in the water, the beach will be closed immediately, marked by the activation of a shark siren and the raising of a shark flag, if available.

  • Shark spotters or lifeguards will promptly notify CapeNature and the State Veterinarian, who will provide guidance on the necessary action. Municipal Disaster Management and appropriate Marine Stranding Networks will also be informed.

  • Lifeguards or first responders will monitor and track the seal’s movements.

  • The beach will only reopen after the seal has been safely removed or has vacated the area.

  • Anyone bitten/scratched or licked by a suspect rabid seal should seek urgent medical care at the nearest hospital. At the scene, the wound must be thoroughly washed with soap and water for 10-15 minutes. Then, the person must be taken to the nearest hospital to receive post-exposure prophylactic treatment against rabies.  The patient needs to inform the hospital personnel that the bite/scratch/ lick is from a seal that may be rabid.

If your dog/cat has been injured by a seal, consult the local state veterinarian. Provide details of the incident, including wound type, treatment received, and vaccination history. Follow the same wound-cleaning protocol for pets as for humans. Ensure your dogs/cats are vaccinated against rabies as this is the only means to protect them against this deadly disease. It is a legal requirement for all dogs and cats in South Africa to be vaccinated against rabies.

For more information, visit the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/rabies/ 

Source: South African Veterinary Association

New Chilean Bill Seeks To Ban Octopus Farming Nationwide

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New Chilean Bill Seeks To Ban Octopus Farming Nationwide

Chile has become the first country in Latin America to propose a nationwide ban on octopus farming.

Aquatic Life Institute is an international non-profit organisation that works on advancing aquatic animal welfare in both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries globally

Bill 17913-12 was introduced this week by Representative Marisela Santibáñez with support from seven additional congress representatives, and now moves to the Commission of Environment and Natural Resources to be discussed. This bill would prohibit the intensive farming of octopuses, focusing on the potential harmful effects that this industry could pose for the environment. The bill was introduced by local Chilean organization Fundación Veg, with additional support, technical information, and draft language provided by Aquatic Life Institute (ALI). Both organisations are part of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, a global coalition of over 180 organisations working to improve the welfare of aquatic animals in the food system.

The bill argues that a ban on octopus farming is urgent to protect marine ecosystems, reduce public health risks and support food security for coastal communities. Lawmakers aim to act preemptively as octopus farming projects emerge in Mexico and Spain, amid growing evidence that the practice could violate animal welfare principles, sustainable development goals, and species conservation standards, and cause lasting harm to the environment and public health.

Growing global push against octopus farming

Similar legislation has been introduced in the United States, with formal bans already in place in California and Washington, and bills under consideration in New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, Connecticut and at the federal level through the OCTOPUS Act (S.4810). The Aquatic Life Institute, which has supported each of these efforts, believes Chile’s proposal reflects growing global momentum to prohibit octopus farming as awareness of its environmental, public health and animal welfare risks becomes more widely known.

If enacted, Bill 17913-12 would safeguard octopuses from inhumane farming practices and position Chile as a global frontrunner in animal welfare and environmental protection.

“As a country rich in marine biodiversity and coastal communities who depend on healthy oceans, Chile cannot ignore the lessons from other nations where intensive aquaculture has brought serious harm. Farming solitary and carnivorous animals like octopuses in confinement is incompatible with the values of sustainability and the scientific evidence of potential harms. This bill reflects Chile’s commitment to protecting both animals and our marine ecosystems for future generations”, declared Catalina Lopez, certified aquatic veterinarian and director of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, in a press release. 

Animal welfare and environmental concerns

The environmental, welfare and public health implications of octopus farming are manifold. These carnivorous animals require diets rich in marine ingredients, exacerbating the pressure on already declining wild fish populations and undermining global sustainable development goals. The overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has been linked to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, with potential spillover effects into human populations. As widely documented, octopuses are highly intelligent and complex animals that suffer greatly in captivity due to their solitary and inquisitive nature. Several scientists have raised significant concerns about the practice of octopus farming, as conditions of intensive farming and extreme confinement are inherently unsuitable for their well-being, leading to stress, aggression and unnatural behaviours such as cannibalism.  Furthermore, there are no approved humane slaughter methods for these animals. The ALI has published further research and background information on its campaign website.

“Chile has a unique opportunity to act in advance and prevent the development of an industry that has already proven globally to be unviable and environmentally unsustainable. At the same time, scientific evidence is clear: octopuses are highly intelligent animals with needs that cannot be met in captivity. Their industrial farming not only poses serious environmental and health risks but also represents an ethical setback that our country cannot allow,” said Ignacia Uribe, founder and CEO of Fundación Veg.

The proposal follows broader international moves against octopus farming. The Aquatic Life Institute has collaborated with organisations including the RSPCA and Friend of the Sea, which have issued statements rejecting certification of octopus or other cephalopod farming. These groups argue that welfare standards cannot be met for such species due to their complex behaviour, sentience and carnivorous diet.

Source: The Fish Site

Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference

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Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference

Now announcing virtual attendance for Tues 14 October!

We are excited to offer a virtual ticket that will allow registrants to access a livestream of all the conference presentations held on Tuesday 14 October (8:30am to 4:15pm GMT+2). This includes our keynote address by conservationist Anton Wolfaardt. See the agenda tab for all of the presentations planned for Tuesday. This ticket will also give you access to a recording of the Tuesday sessions after the conference has concluded. Register here!

The Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference (EOW) is an international event that brings together researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and industry to address the impact of oil spills on wildlife. It is the only global event that focuses on the planning, response, rehabilitation, release and research aspects of oil spills and their effects on wildlife. EOW aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge and exchange ideas to advance the field of oiled wildlife preparedness and response. 

This year, the EOW will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, which presents a great opportunity to engage individuals, agencies, and organizations in that region to participate in the conference which shines a spotlight on our amazing Host Organization – The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). 

The first theme of this EOW will be the 25th Anniversary of the MV Treasure Oil Spill, the largest animal rescue effort in the world, where over 20,000 African Penguins were cleaned, rehabilitated and released while an additional 20,000 penguins were pre-emptively captured to prevent oil exposure. In fact, more penguins were cared for during the Treasure spill than exist in the wild today. Considering that fact, think about the impact those responders made on an entire species population by banding together to achieve the impossible.

The plight of the African Penguin provides our second theme: the Conservation of African Penguins. This species was recently uplisted to critically endangered status by the IUCN following a 97% decline in their population. The doomsday clock is counting down, and African Penguins are scientifically predicted to go extinct in the wild in less than 4,000 days if this alarming rate of decline continues. We need your support, your voice and international attention to this dire issue. 

The final theme, which encompasses the history of the Treasure Spill and current extinction threats to African Penguins, is International Collaboration. Were it not for the heroic efforts of International Bird Rescue, International Fund for Animal Welfare, SANCCOB, and others, stepping up to the challenge of managing the world’s largest animal rescue, we might not have African Penguins in the wild today. We also aim to highlight the Global Oiled Wildlife Response System (GOWRS) network and their efforts to adopt a strategy to address global oiled wildlife response and preparedness around the world. 

Registration

Click here to register!

We want to make the impact of this EOW count, so each registration includes an Adopt-a-Penguin to support SANCCOB’s African Penguin Chick Rearing Program.

See “Registration FAQ” tab for more information.

Are you a Treasure Spill Responder? 

We want to hear from you! We will be looking for photos, video and personal stories from Treasure Responders, even if you are not able to attend EOW in person. We will be displaying photos, anecdotes and video testimonials from Treasure responders to share their stories and honor those that helped participate in the largest animal rescue effort in the world! Start digging through your old photos now and click here for more information. 

Source: SANCCOB

A New Home for African Penguins at De Hoop

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De Hoop

A New Home for African Penguins at De Hoop

A special collaboration between BirdLife South Africa, SANCCOB, and CapeNature is paving the way for a new beginning for African Penguins at De Hoop Nature Reserve. This exciting programme focuses on establishing a thriving new colony by releasing young African Penguins that were rescued as eggs or chicks and carefully rehabilitated by SANCCOB. The aim is to encourage these birds to settle and eventually breed in a safe, undisturbed environment, far from the pressures of human activity. So far this year, an incredible 88 penguins have been released at the site, offering hope for the future of this Critically Endangered species.

De Hoop

Source: SANCCOB