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Visitors to Boulders penguin colony have been requested to stay on the designated boardwalks and to be on the lookout for any sick or dead birds following reports of four new bird flu cases at the popular tourist site.
In a joint statement released by South African National Parks (SANParks), the Western Cape Veterinary Services, and SANCCOB on Friday 16 September, the detection of the strain of avian influenza at Boulders penguin colony was confirmed.
Another seven cases are suspected.
“There a currently an estimated 3 000 penguins in Simon’s Town, so the affected numbers are still very low at this stage. SANParks, Western Cape Veterinary Services, City of Cape Town, SANCCOB and other seabird rehabilitation centres are closely monitoring the situation and will assess the need for further action,” the statement read.
While the Boulders colony has not been closed to the public at this stage, visitors have been asked not to approach, touch or handle the birds. They are also being advised to shower, change and clean their shoes and clothes before visiting other seabird colonies or poultry farms to prevent contamination from one site to another. Avian influenza virus is spread between birds by faeces and other body excretions and by people handling sick birds. The virus is unlikely to infect humans.
“Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and its conservation partners are also taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes limiting access to the breeding colony, including researchers, and applying strict disinfection of footwear when staff leave the colony. Dead and sick birds will also be removed and transferred to SANCCOB for assessment and possible testing,” the statement read.
Affected birds are weak and may look tame, cannot fly, show signs of tremors or twitches and seizures or loss of balance, and one or both eyes may be droopy or cloudy.
- Report sick and/or dead birds to TMNP park management on 021 786 2329/021 780 9100 or SANCCOB on 021 557 6155.
- Alternatively, call the penguin rangers on 064 844 9075.
