Unknown / Black Swan

The detection of rabies in Cape Fur Seals represents a potential Black Swan event due to its unexpected nature and the potential for widespread ecological and public health impacts. Rabies is a highly infectious disease that can spread rapidly among animal populations and potentially jump to humans, especially in regions where human-animal interactions are common. The spread of rabies in marine mammals is particularly concerning as it could disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries, and pose a risk to coastal communities and industries reliant on marine resources. This development is compounded by the broader context of climate change and environmental stressors that can exacerbate the spread of zoonotic diseases.