Results of investigation of the mass mortalities of seals along the west coast released

11 February 2022

The investigation into the die-off of Cape Fur Seal pups and sub-adults on South Africa’s West Coast has shown that the deaths were the result of a variety of factors, including malnutrition.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinary Laboratory conducted post mortem examinations on pups and sub-adults following the die-off.

The examinations found evidence of moderate to severe malnutrition, which led to the poor body condition of the mammals. 

Clinical signs, including convulsions seen in the video footage received, suggest possible biotoxin poisoning.   As a result, extensive testing for significant parasites and viruses, including distemper, as well as bacterial infections were conducted on all carcasses. The results have proven either negative or insignificant.   All results for biotoxins were also negative.

Because of the neurological signs witnessed, similar tests will be conducted on adult carcasses as part of a more thorough, well-rounded investigation by the State Vet.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in collaboration with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), had requested the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinary Laboratory to conduct post-mortem examinations after a large number of the Cape Fur Seals had died in the Eland’s Bay area of the West Coast in September 2021.

The die-off coincided with the period when seals prepare for their breeding season and colonies see an influx of mature individuals. Adverse weather, such as strong winds and storms, in September and October, had previously resulted in large numbers of pups washing up dead or emaciated on beaches adjacent to breeding colonies.

The Berg River, Cape Town, Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay, and Saldanha Bay Municipalities reported the number of carcasses that their waste teams had disposed of, In total, 1 633 seals were buried or removed by the municipalities between September and November 2021. Stakeholders, such as Sea Search Research and Conservation, assisted by launching a carcass reporting platform. A review of the data is still underway.

The 2021 Cape fur seal die-off is the first of its kind since a similar occurrence in 1994/95. 

National, provincial and local government, working with agencies and partners, will continue to monitor the situation.  Any carcasses found in the future will be taken to the relevant provincial State Veterinary Laboratory for testing.  The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment have issued a research permit allowing for further sampling and testing.

Members of the public are urged not to handle underweight, injured, and/or non-responsive seals, but rather to report these to the SPCA. Seals can be very dangerous and can cause severe damage when they bite or attack to protect themselves. Attempting to rehabilitate a seal on private property may lead to a fine or imprisonment. Seals are protected in terms of the NEMBA: Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (https://www.dffe.gov.za)
Mr Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Email: amodise@dffe.gov.za

Western Cape State Veterinary Services (https://www.elsenburg.com)
Mary James:
Tel: 021 808 5008; 
Email: MaryJ@elsenburg.com

Cape of Good Hope SPCA ( https://capespca.co.za)
Jaco Pieterse:
Cell:  083 678 8460;
Email: inspmanager@spca-ct.co.za