High rise in dying seals as avian flu in birds die down

There has been a high number of sick and dying seals. This comes after the Cape's ongoing avian flu outbreak that saw over 18,000 dead birds recovered since October, mostly Cape Cormorants.

The Western Cape's Environmental Affairs Department said the number of dying birds is slowly declining Department spokesperson James Brent-Styan said there have been no further reports of the virus spreading inland.

He said they were waiting to hear from the national veterinary on the possibly cause of the dying seals.

“We are concerned about the abnormally high number of animals which appear to be dying and we are committed to finding out why,” he said.

The public is urged to report any dying or sick birds and seals to the SPCA or local veterinarians.

by Everngelista Muza