The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has confirmed a fresh outbreak of high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
Officials detected the virus in farmed ducks near Paarl in early July. The farm owners voluntarily culled the chickens to prevent the disease from spreading.
Authorities have recently reported cases in chickens in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces.
Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects birds, but in rare cases can also infect mammals and humans through direct contact with infected birds.
Wild birds affected near Cape Town
The department noted that HPAI has also caused deaths in wild bird species in the Western Cape.
These include Great White Pelicans near Malmesbury and Hartlaub’s Gulls in Cape Town.
These are the first confirmed wild bird cases in the province since April 2024 and the first mass deaths since 2022.
“Infected wild birds may appear unusually tame, lose fear of humans, or show neurological signs like twitching or seizures,” said the WCDoA.
Officials warn public not to touch dead birds despite low risk to humans
Health officials say there is no evidence that the virus is spreading between humans.
Authorities urge people to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds without protective gear. People should report suspected cases to local authorities.
“While the risk of human infection is low, contact with sick and dead birds should be avoided,” the department said. “Do not transport dead birds; report sightings to your local authority instead.”
Poultry products are safe to eat
The WCDoA reassured the public that poultry products sold in stores remain safe for consumption.
The authorities handle the outbreak under the Animal Diseases Act.
Farmers urged to tighten biosecurity
Authorities urge poultry farmers to step up biosecurity. This includes:
- Restricting farm access to those who have had poultry contact in the past 48 hours
- Preventing contact between farm birds and wild birds
- Disinfecting all vehicles and footwear entering poultry houses
People must immediately report all suspected poultry outbreaks to a State Veterinarian.
“Through vigilance and cooperation, we can help stop the spread of bird flu and protect our birds, poultry industry, and communities,” the department said.
Have you spotted any sick or dead birds in your area recently?
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