Super El Niño now comes with fatal rabies warning after ‘significant global shift’

Rising temperatures are causing havoc in the animal world

Due to sweltering heat, the world has seen heat strokes and floods unprecedented in modern history. 

We are aware of the impact from the freak weather conditions, however discussions regarding panic are rising. 

Rising temperatures, droughts and heavy rainfall are not human-centric problems, as people are starting to notice what the effects this will have on wild animals. 

What is Super El Niño?

El Niño is a weather event in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Steep changes in temperatures create a strong wind current through South America, disrupting wider climates.

This is not the first Super El Niño that we’ve seen, however it is the first in the last 10 years. 

The weather conditions have been noticed worldwide, including the sweltering heat wave felt across the UK over the summer. 

However, the extent of Super El Niño’s impact on the UK lies in heat and drought. 

Residents of Langa township near Cape Town had their shack homes flooded during days of heavy rainfall. Image: Getty.

This cannot be said the same for South America, southern Africa and Caribbean nations, which are expected to suffer greatly from droughts, ruining their agricultural output. 

But with increasing weather conditions, it is not only humans that are affected as reports suggest that a significant number of seals have developed an aggressive form of rabies. 

How does Super El Niño affect cases of rabies?

Already 100 cases of rabid seals have been reported in South Africa and Namibia, according to the Telegraph.

Affected seals in the area have been reported to be ‘enraged’, attacking local wildlife, and people as well as their pets. 

Seals fighting. Image: Getty.

The World Organisation for Animal Health put out the following statement:

"Regions in the southern hemisphere, including Latin America and Australasia, should maintain heightened surveillance for rabies transmission among marine mammals.

"Recognising that our understanding of the epidemiology of this event is still evolving. Early detection and timely reporting remain essential.”

Impacts of Super El Niño over the summer

Scientists and experts alike are predicting that this Super El Niño is one for the history books. 

From wildfires breaking out in Europe and America, to droughts and heavy rainfall in South American countries, the issues regarding agriculture and food supplies are rising. 

While many think that these weather conditions will mellow out as the Summer goes, the weather phenomena is expected to last up until October.