Cape Town – The Boulders Penguin Colony in Simons Town, popular with tourists, recorded its first death related to the avian influenza at the weekend.
Four bird flu cases were detected on Friday (September 16) by the Western Cape Veterinary Services and SANCCOB Saves Seabirds.
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) which announced the avian influenza flare-up said another seven cases were suspected.
SANParks spokesperson Lauren Howard-Clayton on Monday said that while there was a low number of suspected cases, one mortality has been reported.
“There are currently an estimated 3 000 penguins in Simon’s Town, so the affected numbers are still low. We are closely monitoring and all other interventions are the same as Friday.
“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,” said Howard-Clayton.
She said that the avian flu spreads between birds by faeces and other body excretions and by people handling sick birds.
Affected birds are weak and may look tame. The public has been requested not to approach or try and touch them.
Howard-Clayton urged that even though the virus was unlikely to infect humans, 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.”
Cape Times