Bird flu detected among wild seabirds in Western Cape
Western Cape authorities are responding to a suspected outbreak of avian
influenza amongst wild seabirds.
Jason-Brent Styan, who is the spokesperson Local Government, Environmental Affairs in the Western Cape, says a few areas in the province have been identified as hotspots.
“The outbreak is suspected of affecting seabirds in the Bergrivier Municipality on the West Coast as well as the Walker Bay area in Overberg.
“CapeNature have already deployed teams of officials to collect the dead and sick birds. Veterinarians are on scene assisting and officials are following advice provided by Veterinary Services in terms of how to manage the sick birds.”
He adds that the public are urged to avoid the area and not to collect or touch sick or dead birds.
“It is critical to prevent the spread of the disease. This means people must not attempt to assist or transport any sick birds, even to take them to rehabilitation centres and veterinarians as this could spread the disease to other healthy birds.”
At the moment, Bergrivier Municipality is the hotspot area with reports of dead birds from Velddrif to Arniston.
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