Overstrand Municipality has issued an alert warning the public of a bird-flu outbreak.
This follows a report by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture confirming that there has been a new outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) , also known as avian influenza or bird flu, detected in farmed ducks in the Paarl area and seabirds in the Cape Town area.
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. Infected wild birds may appear unusually tame, lose their fear of humans or exhibit neurological signs such as twitching or seizures.
Overseas, some mammals and a small number of humans have contracted the virus after close contact with infected birds. However, said the Department of Agriculture, there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
“While the risk of human infection is low contact with sick and dead birds should be avoided. Do not touch or transport sick or dead wild birds without appropriate protective clothing, and rather report to the responsible local authority.”
The department stated that poultry products from grocery stores were safe for consumption.
“Farmers and poultry producers should apply strict biosecurity measures to prevent potential virus introduction from infected birds and properties.”
It also cautioned that access to farms should be restricted as far as possible. The same applied to people who have had contact with poultry in the last 48 hours. This is to limit the possibility of exposure to the virus through contaminated clothes, footwear, vehicles or other equipment.
The Western Cape Government appealed to the public and those working in the agricultural sector to report suspected outbreaks in poultry to the local State Veterinarian immediately. Contact details are available at: https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services-0#s=Animal-Health-and-Disease-Control.
Members of the public are cautioned not to touch sick or dead seabirds, but to rather report them to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) via WhatsApp to 078 638 3731 or the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai at 072 598 7117. They are advised to send a photo and/or video as well as a location pin.
Swine fever
Cape Agulhas Municipality also released a statement on 2 August to warn the public about a “probable outbreak” of swine fever in the Bredasdorp area. It stated: “The Cape Agulhas Municipality hereby informs the public that there is a strong probability that recent pig deaths in Bredasdorp are due to African Swine Fever (ASF). The cause is still being confirmed through laboratory testing by the State Veterinary Services.”
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It spreads quickly and most often results in the death of infected pigs. It does not affect people or other types of animals.
It is spread through direct contact with infected pigs, indirect contact through contaminated feed (especially swill), equipment, vehicles, or clothing or soft ticks of the Ornithodoros genus, found in parts of South Africa
The virus is very tough and can survive for long periods in pork products, carcasses, and the environment — especially in cooler conditions.
Cape Agulhas Municipality, in partnership with the State Veterinary Services, has begun implementing various measures to curb the spread of the disease, including setting up a quarantine zone to monitor the situation 24/7. Only registered pig owners may enter to feed their animals subject to strict biosecurity protocols. Stray and roaming pigs are being relocated to the quarantine zone while infected carcasses are being disposed of safely and responsibly.
A spokesperson for the municipality added that extra personnel have been deployed to assist with response efforts and that ongoing veterinary testing is done.
What should the public do?
* Report any sick or dead pigs to the municipality.
* Do not move pigs from one location to another.
* Do not sell or slaughter pigs from the affected area.
* Do not dump dead pigs in open areas, rivers, or refuse sites.
* Do not allow pigs to roam.
“Please be assured that the municipality is working closely with relevant government departments and stakeholders to manage and contain the outbreak,” the spokesperson said. “The outbreak is limited to Bredasdorp and is under control. There is no need for panic.”
To report sick or dead pigs contact Cape Agulhas Municipality on 028 425 5500 or 082 457 1774.
