A new wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is taking a devastating toll on seabirds along the Western Cape coastline.
Bernd M. Schell/Unsplash
Conservation groups have raised the alarm, warning that hundreds of birds have been affected since the first cases were confirmed earlier this year.
As reported by Infurmation, more than 600 cases of the virus have been confirmed in wild seabirds since 12 September, impacting several species, including Hartlaub’s and grey-headed gulls, great white pelicans, kelp gulls, white-breasted, reed, crowned and Cape cormorants, swift and common terns, as well as an Eurasian whimbrel.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds’ (SANCCOB) immediate focus is to safeguard its seabird hospitals and aid conservation authorities with response efforts.
To date, the organisation has distributed 34 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfectant kits across the Western and Eastern Cape, ensuring field teams and first responders are equipped to handle affected birds safely.
Temporary quarantine units have been created at SANCCOB’s facilities to isolate rescued seabirds before full admission, ensuring strict biosecurity protocols are followed.
However, the situation is placing significant financial pressure on the organisation, as SANCCOB noted that the outbreak is imposing a significant financial burden on its resources.
Authorities and conservationists are calling on the public to remain vigilant. SANCCOB has urged coastal communities, beachgoers, and birdwatchers to report any seabirds showing signs of illness, rather than attempting to handle them.
Common symptoms of avian influenza in seabirds include:
SANCCOB cautioned that while the strain can spread to humans, symptoms are generally mild; the organisation stressed that it is important to alert SANCCOB immediately about any seabird displaying symptoms of illness.
SANCCOB added to avoid any contact with or getting near the birds and urged the public to contact them so that their trained staff can safely collect and provide care.
Article shared by Cape ETC
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