Update
HESSEQUA NEWS - The first confirmed case of avian flu in the Hessequa region was reported on 25 October, after an infected bird was found at the Witsand Main beach.
According to the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, the current virus strain was detected in wild birds in May this year, mainly affecting gulls.
The first cormorants were only diagnosed with the disease in mid September.
Cases have increased rapidly over the past week. To date, more than 13 000 birds have died due to the outbreak of avian influenza mostly among Cape Cormorants.
Bredell added that this is an incurable disease, that is not preventable, cannot be treated and is highly contagious to birds.
“There is currently no evidence that this virus poses any risk or threat to humans. However, humans can transmit the virus from sick birds to other birds if their clothes or hands gets contaminated. People are advised not to handle the birds at all unless it is absolutely unavoidable and, in that instance, to please use gloves and face masks,” Bredell said.
Affected birds will appear to be weak and may display neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, loss of balance or head twitches. Respiratory signs will include foam around the mouth, fluid running from the nostrils or mouth, difficulty breathing or sticky mucous in the mouth. Affected birds will also have bright green diarrhoea. In the case of African penguins, they may be found swimming in circles.
Hessequa's municipal manager, Johan Jacobs, is appealing to the public, especially those living in coastal towns, to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities or sick birds.
The following local conservation organisations can assist:
- Witsand: Lower Breede River Conservancy Trust (LBRCT). They assist CapeNature in removing carcasses (028 537 1296);
- Stilbaai: CapeNature office in Stilbaai (028 754 2234);
- Gouritsmond: Fransmanshoek Conservancy (082 084 2791, fransmanshoek@gmail.com).
Alternatively, contact the state veterinarian or the 24/7 GRDM Emergency Call Centre (044 805 5071).
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