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The H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues affecting seabirds in South Africa.
The virus has been confirmed in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces, affecting the African penguin, cormorants, and tern and gull species.
Symptomatic, affected birds show neurological signs such as poor balance, twitching, paddling and seizures.
Concerning seabirds should be reported to the local state veterinarian and the nearest seabird rehabilitation centre and handled with caution to reduce the chance of spreading the disease to domestic poultry and other birds.
According to a brief statement by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), the disease is untreatable and sick birds would have to be euthanised.
Any seabird that is behaving abnormally, looks dazed, is tame or unbalanced should be suspected of having bird flu and should be reported to SANCCOB in Gqeberha as they are working with conservation authorities, local municipalities and the state veterinary services.
The number is 041 583 1830.
