The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) has reinforced its biosecurity protocols following confirmation that the first African Penguin has tested positive for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) \u2014 a serious new development in the ongoing outbreak affecting seabirds along the Western Cape coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In August, almost 1 000 seabirds were confirmed with HPAI, and the spread remains deeply concerning to conservationists and wildlife authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TygerBurger<\/em> previously reported that since early July, a new wave of infections has been detected in wild seabirds across the province \u2014 the first since April 2024. Infected birds often display neurological symptoms, including tremors, head twitches, and seizures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While HPAI can occasionally infect mammals and humans, experts stress that the risk to the public remains very low when simple hygiene and safety precautions are followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanccob\u2019s Cape Town and Gqeberha rehabilitation centres remain operational with stringent biosecurity controls. These include quarantine and testing for all incoming seabirds, disinfection and sanitation procedures, and controlled staff movement between aviaries and care areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur highest priority is keeping our seabird hospitals infection-free and ensuring every case is accurately recorded,\u201d said Dr Katta Ludynia, Sanccob spokesperson. \u201cThis is a fast-moving situation, and we are working closely with State Veterinary Services and conservation authorities to respond effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanccob confirmed that its teams are working \u201cdiligently and cautiously\u201d to test and clear every seabird before admission. The organisation continues to support field responders, monitor wild populations, and provide training and guidance to other rehabilitation facilities and veterinarians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The public are strongly advised not to pick up, feed, or touch sick or dead seabirds. Instead, sightings should be reported immediately so that trained teams can respond safely. For other bird species:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEvery report helps us respond faster and prevent further infections,\u201d said Dr Ludynia. \u201cThe public plays a vital role in helping protect South Africa\u2019s vulnerable seabird populations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Residents are also reminded to keep pets away from affected birds and to wash hands and shoes after visiting coastal areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By early August, most confirmed cases were among Hartlaub\u2019s Gulls, but other affected species include Great White Pelicans, Grey-headed Gulls, Kelp Gulls, Whitebreasted Cormorants, Crowned Cormorants, and Sacred Ibises. Cases have also been detected in domestic chickens and ducks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The circulating strain, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, is known to cause rapid and severe illness in birds. Infected seabirds may appear unusually tame, unable to fly or walk, or show signs of twitching, seizures, or cloudy eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sadly, birds displaying such symptoms cannot be treated and are humanely euthanised to prevent further spread of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanccob\u2019s spokesperson Natalie Maskell said the organisation remains committed to proactive monitoring and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are deeply concerned about the spread of avian influenza and its potential impact on vulnerable seabird populations,\u201d Maskell said. \u201cOur teams are working tirelessly to protect birds in our care while supporting national efforts to contain the outbreak.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through strict biosecurity, public awareness, and ongoing scientific collaboration, Sanccob continues its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve the country\u2019s seabirds in the face of this escalating threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sanccob has heightened biosecurity measures after an African Penguin tested positive for HPAI, amid rising cases among seabirds in the Western Cape. The public is urged not to handle affected birds, while Sanccob focuses on testing and rehabilitating seabirds. Strict protocols and public cooperation are vital to combat this outbreak.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":294293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"66","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_inclusive_language_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","_crsspst_to_novanewscoza":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozabloemnewsexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozacityvision":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozadistrictmailhelderberg":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaeikestadnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozahermanustimes":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakomani-karoo":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakougaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozamthathaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozanoordkaapbulletin":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapaarlpost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeoplespost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaswartlandgazette":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaudexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavistanews":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavrystaatkroon":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweskusnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweslander":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaworcesterstandard":false,"_EventAllDay":"","_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":"","_EventShowMapLink":"","_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":"","_EventVenueID":"","_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":"","_VenueShowMapLink":"","_application":"","_batch_id":"","_company_name":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_company_website":"","_custom_id":"","_EventDuration":"","_EventOrigin":"","_EventTimezoneAbbr":"","_featured":"","_filled":"","_job_expires":"","_job_location":"","_media_credit":"","_media_credit_url":"","_menu_item_menu_item_parent":"","_menu_item_object":"","_menu_item_object_id":"","_menu_item_target":"","_menu_item_type":"","_menu_item_url":"","_menu_item_xfn":"","_navis_media_can_distribute":"","_navis_media_credit_org":"","_OrganizerOrigin":"","_provider":"","_pum_built_in":"","_pum_default_theme":"","_pum_form_conversion_count":"","_remote_id":"","_remote_name":"","_remote_position":"","_report_frequency":"","_report_reference_dates":"","_send_attempts":"","_site_id":"","_sitemap_exclude":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","_sitemap_priority":"","_source_url":"","_subscription_period":"","_subscription_period_interval":"","_subscription_price":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":"","_template_type":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_tribe_aggregator_allow_multiple_organizers":"","_tribe_aggregator_content_type":"","_tribe_aggregator_file":"","_tribe_aggregator_finalized":"","_tribe_aggregator_hash":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_id":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_interactive":"","_tribe_aggregator_origin":"","_tribe_aggregator_post_status":"","_tribe_aggregator_preview":"","_tribe_aggregator_source_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_type":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_hide_attendees_list":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":"","_tribe_ticket_version":"","_type":"","_VenueOrigin":"","_wp_attachment_context":"","_wp_attachment_image_alt":"","_wp_font_face_file":"","_wp_old_date":"","_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":"3","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[{\"keyword\":\"African penguins now infected with deadly bird flu - 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Public urged not to handle birds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For seabirds, contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Which birds are affected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n