Thousands of seabirds dying from avian flu in Western Cape

A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (bird flu) has afflicted wild seabirds in the Western Cape, and has already resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 of birds. 

Those most affected, according to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob), are gulls, as well as cormorants and pelicans. 

Sanccob said the H5N1 strain of the highly pathogenic Asian avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in wild birds in the province in May.

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Cape cormorants, who are endangered, were diagnosed with the disease in September, and numbers have dwindled fast, especially colonies on Dyer Island and near Velddrif. 

There is unfortunately no cure for HPAI, and birds are having to be humanely euthanised 

The outbreak was said to have started in the Bergrivier Local Municipality and in the Walker Bay area in the Overberg region. Bergrivier remains the hotspot area.

MEC of environmental affairs in the province, Anton Bredell, urged members of the public to avoid the areas where HPAI was present, and not to collect or come into contact with any sick or dead birds. 

This, Bredell said, was “critical to prevent the spread of the disease”. 

Although avian flu is not dangerous for humans, it can be spread on their hands and clothes. 

Instead, people are urged to report any unusual mortalities or abnormal numbers of sick birds to their local conservation authority or veterinarian. 

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A number of authorities, including Sanccob, are monitoring the situation, and have collaborated to manage the outbreak as best they can.

They include the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, CapeNature, South African National Parks, West Coast District Municipality, Bergrivier Local Municipality, the Robben Island Museum, Western Cape Veterinary Services, BirdLife South Africa, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the Owl Orphanage St. Helena Bay, Dwarskersbos Snake Rescue and local veterinarians. 

If a bird is potentially infected with HPAI, they will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Unusually tame behaviour
• Weakness
• Muscle twitches and seizures
• Dazed and unbalanced

Incidents can also be reported to Sanccob on 021-557-6155 or 078-638-3731.