Unknown / Black Swan

The emergence of rabies in a new species, such as Cape Fur Seals, presents a significant ecological and public health risk that could have unforeseen cascading effects. Rabies is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate, and its presence in marine mammals could indicate broader environmental disruptions or changes in disease vectors. This development is concerning as it could lead to unexpected interactions between wildlife and human populations, potentially affecting tourism, fisheries, and local economies. The novelty of this event and its potential for widespread impact across ecological and human systems elevates the threat level to moderate.