Western Cape penguins hit by bird flu

AFRICAN penguins have succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian flu along the coastline of the Western Cape.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed yesterday that seven cases from six different sites across the province had tested positive in penguins. Of the seven cases‚ one has survived.

Infected birds are being treated‚ as African penguins are an endangered species.

Treatment protocols are similar to those for flu in humans. They include nutrition‚ hydration‚ vitamins and administration of anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics for secondary infections‚ if necessary.

The department said that no new cases of the disease had been reported in the commercial poultry sector since October.

Provincial Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde said management authorities of all major seabird colonies around the coastline were monitoring their zones closely.

“All necessary precautionary protocols to contain the spread of the disease have been implemented and extended surveillance and collaboration across sectors is assisting with further epidemiological evaluations.”

CapeNature chief executive Razeena Omar said the organisation was working with the state vet and had put procedures in place to monitor the virus and restrict the spread by humans between infected and non-infected areas.

Winde urged people to report sick birds to the nearest seabird rehabilitation centre.

People were warned not to touch sick birds if they had pet birds at home or worked in the poultry or ostrich industry. – TimesLIVE