Scientist in South Africa believe they have successfully identified the first time the rabies virus has spread to sea mammals, in this case among 24 dead Cape fur seals. The bodies of the sea mammals were discovered in various locations across the west and south coast of the country, according to state veterinarian Dr. Lesley van Helden.

Rabies has been found for the first time in a new species, according to scientists, who discovered that the infection had been spreading among a population of sea mammals

Tests on dead Cape fur seals in South Africa have shown some had rabies. Scientists say they believe it's the first evidence of the incurable disease spreading in a marine mammal species.

Scientists in South Africa say they have identified an outbreak of rabies in seals that is believed to be the first time the virus has spread in sea mammals.