An outbreak of rabies amongst the Cape Fur Seal population in the Western Cape raised several critical questions about the appropriate management responses.
Infinity was appointed by the City of Cape Town's Coastal Management Branch and the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to coordinate and facilitate an expert workshop to consider contributing factors to abnormal aggressive behaviours in seals and determine a way forward in managing the outbreak.
Held over two days in July 2024, the workshop was attended by over 70 representatives of governments, conservation bodies, research institutions, and NGOs. Coordinated and chaired by Infinity, the workshop resulted in agreements on a comprehensive action plan in relation to detection and response, vaccination projects, and education and communication efforts.