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.

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.

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

Health officials are encouraging New Bedford residents to make sure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date after a raccoon found in Buttonwood Park tested positive for the deadly viral disease.

State health officials have notified the city that a raccoon found in the Buttonwood Park area has tested positive for rabies.