Scientists have warned about an unusual outbreak of rabies among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem, while a virus has also been found in sardines off the South African coast.

The Benguela Current ecosystem is shared by Namibia, Angola, and South Africa.

Scientists at the 11th SANUMARC Annual Research Conference in Henties Bay revealed that the disease was first detected in South Africa.

However, it has now been observed among seals along the Namibian coast.

Experts are investigating how the disease reached marine mammals and what it could mean for seal colonies, wildlife, tourism, and coastal communities in Namibia.

“So these are sort of changes; one needs to continuously monitor these changes to see how. What does that mean for the ecosystems and economies that rely on these ecosystems? So it's just not the long-term monitoring; it's about monitoring and making sense out of these long-term data and converting these long-term data sets into policy recommendations so that we can also be in a position to adapt and adjust to these changes that we are seeing,” explained MEFT Deputy Director Kenneth Uiseb

Officials warn that people should not touch or approach sick or dead seals.

Rabies can spread through contact with infected animals and can be fatal if treatment is not received in time.

There are also concerns that the disease could move through the food chain to scavengers such as brown hyenas and black-backed jackals.

At the same time, scientists have reported a virus in sardines off the South African coast, another development they say requires urgent investigation.

“Just last month, we heard about some viruses in sardines. These are things that we have never heard of before—sardines off the South African coast. Of course, together with seals and other resources, sardines are some of the shared stocks that we have in the region among all three countries. So, it is one ecosystem, and these are very strange signs that are emerging. Whether that is a sign of ecosystem transition, we have to continue monitoring and observing that,” added BCC Manager of Ecosystem Advisory Services, Paulus Kainge.

Authorities are urging the public to keep a safe distance from seals and report unusual animal behaviour or deaths to the relevant wildlife and veterinary officials.