{"id":281478,"date":"2025-10-17T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/?p=281478"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:54:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T09:54:28","slug":"first-african-penguin-tests-positive-for-hpai-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/first-african-penguin-tests-positive-for-hpai-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"First African penguin tests positive for HPAI in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) confirmed that the first African Penguin has tested positive for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), marking a serious new development in the ongoing outbreak among Western Cape seabirds.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In August almost 1 000 seabirds have now been confirmed with HPAI, and the spread remains deeply concerning.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TygerBurger previously reported that since early July, a new outbreak of HPAI has been confirmed in wild seabirds across the province \u2014 the first wild-bird detections since April 2024. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infected birds often display neurological signs, such as tremors, head twitches, and seizures.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While HPAI occasionally infects mammals and humans, experts emphasise that the risk to the public remains very low when basic safety precautions are followed.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Testing and containment\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sanccob confirmed that its teams are working “diligently and cautiously” to ensure that all seabirds entering rehabilitation facilities are tested and cleared before admission.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Our highest priority is keeping our seabird hospitals infection-free and ensuring every case is accurately recorded,” said Sanccob spokesperson Dr Katta Ludynia in a statement. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is a fast-moving situation, and we are working closely with the State Veterinary Services and conservation authorities to respond effectively.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organisation continues to support wild responders, monitor the impact on wild populations, and provide training and guidance to other rehabilitation centres and veterinarians. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public urged not to handle birds\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The public are urged not to pick up or handle sick or dead birds under any circumstances. Instead, cases should be reported immediately to the correct authorities.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For seabirds:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sanccob \u2013 021 557 6155 (landline) or 078 638 3631 (cell\/WhatsApp)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

. For non-seabird species:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the online reporting tool: DFFE Avian Influenza Reporting Form.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents are also reminded to keep pets away from affected birds and to report any sightings promptly to help authorities map and contain the outbreak.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Every report helps us respond faster and prevent further infections,” said Ludynia. “The public plays a vital role in helping protect South Africa’s vulnerable seabird populations.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which birds are affected?\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By early August, most confirmed cases were among Hartlaub’s Gulls, though Great White Pelicans, Grey-headed Gulls, Kelp Gulls, Whitebreasted Cormorants, Crowned Cormorants, and Sacred Ibises have also been affected. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domestic chickens and ducks have tested positive too.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The type of virus circulating, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, is known to cause rapid and severe illness in birds. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infected seabirds may appear unusually tame, unable to fly or walk, or show signs of twitching, seizures, or cloudy eyes.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, birds showing symptoms cannot be treated and are humanely euthanised to prevent further spread.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the public can help\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Members of the public are asked to:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n