The Western Cape Veterinary Services and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have confirmed that four new bird flu cases have been detected in the Boulders Penguin Colony, in Simon’s Town.
The Western Cape Veterinary Services and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) have confirmed that four new cases of bird flu have been detected in the Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town.
According to a statement issued by Table Mountain National Park, the Western Cape Veterinary Services, and Sanccob, another seven cases are suspected.
This strain of avian influenza virus had been detected in a range of wild sea birds, such as African penguins, Cape cormorants, swifts, common terns, and Cape gannets since May 2021, the statement said, adding that the virus was not harmful to humans, but was a threat to domestic poultry.
With an estimated 3 000 penguins in Simon’s Town, the affected numbers were still very low at this stage, the statement said.
“SANParks, Western Cape Veterinary Services, City of Cape Town, Sanccob, and other sea bird rehabilitation centres, are closely monitoring the situation, and will assess the need for further action.”
SANParks spokeswoman Lauren Howard-Clayton said Table Mountain National Park was also taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus, including limiting access to the breeding colony and applying strict disinfection of footwear when staff leave the colony.
Dead and sick birds, she said, would be removed and transferred to Sanccob for assessment and possible testing.
Avian influenza virus is spread between birds by faeces and other body excretions and by people handling sick birds. Even though the virus is unlikely to infect humans, the statement said, precautions should be taken. Gloves and masks should be worn if handling birds. Any equipment, including vehicles and protective clothing that could be contaminated, should be disinfected.
Closing the Boulders colony to visitors was not justified at this stage, but visitors should stay on designated boardwalks, the statement said.
According to the statement, affected birds are weak and may look tame, cannot fly, show signs of tremors or twitches and seizures or loss of balance, and one or both eyes may be droopy or cloudy.
Visitors are asked to not approach, touch, or handle the birds and should report any suspected sick birds to Table Mountain National Park management at 021 786 2329/ 021 780 9100 or Sanccob at 021 557 6155. Or call the penguin rangers at 064 844 9075.