Bird flu confirmed in penguin colony at Boulders

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) management, the Western Cape Veterinary Services and SANCCOB, have confirmed four cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) in Cape Town’s Boulders penguin colony.

They suspect another seven cases. This strain of bird flu has been detected in a range of wild seabirds including Cape cormorants, swift, sandwich and common terns, and Cape gannets in addition to penguins since May 2021. The virus has a low risk for humans, but is a threat to domestic poultry.

There are currently an estimated 3 000 penguins in Simon’s Town, so the affected numbers are still very low at this stage. South African National Parks (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.

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 be removed and transferred to SANCCOB for assessment and possible testing.

The avian influenza virus is spread between birds by faeces and other body excretions and by people handling sick birds. Even though the virus is unlikely to infect humans, precautions should be taken.

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. Please do not approach, touch or handle the birds. Visitors should shower, change and clean their shoes and clothes before visiting other seabird colonies or poultry farms to prevent contamination from one site to another.

Closing the Boulders colony to visitors is not justified at this stage, but visitors must stay on designated boardwalks. They are requested to look out for any suspected bird flu cases by reporting sick and/or dead birds to TMNP park management on 021 786 2329/ 021 780 9100 or SANCCOB 021 557 6155. Alternatively, contact the penguin rangers on 064 844 9075.

Picture: Getaway gallery

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