Western Cape Veterinary Services have confirmed that at least four new bird flu cases were detected in the Boulders Penguin Colony, in Simons Town.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of
Coastal Birds says they suspect another seven cases, but they have not been
confirmed yet.
In a statement, the Table Mountain National Park said this
strain of bird flu, also known as avian flu, has been detected in a range of
wild seabirds, which includes African penguins, Cape Cormorants, Swift,
Sandwich and Common Terns, and Cape Gannets since May 2021.
‘’There a currently an estimated 3000 penguins in Simon’s
Town, so the affected numbers are still very low at this stage. South African
National Parks (SANParks), Western Cape Veterinary Services, City of Cape Town,
SANCCOB and other seabird rehabilitation centres, are closely monitoring the
situation and will assess the need for further action.’’
The virus, it says, has a low risk for humans, but is a
threat to domestic poultry.
Table Mountain National Park said closing the Boulders
colony to visitors is not justified at this stage, but urged visitors to stay
on designated boardwalks.
‘’TMNP and its conservation partners are also taking
precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes limiting access to
the breeding colony, including researchers, and applying strict disinfection of
footwear when staff leave the colony. Dead and sick birds will also be removed
and transferred to SANCCOB for assessment and possible testing,’’ it said in a
statement.
PICTURE: Peter Chadwick - African Conservation PhotographerDone By: Mitchum George
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