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Desk Mountain Nationwide Park (TMNP) administration, the Western Cape Veterinary Providers and SANCCOB, have confirmed 4 instances of excessive pathogenicity avian influenza (chook flu) in Cape City’s Boulders penguin colony.
They believe one other seven instances. This pressure of chook flu has been detected in a spread of untamed seabirds together with Cape cormorants, swift, sandwich and customary terns, and Cape gannets along with penguins since Might 2021. The virus has a low threat for people, however is a menace to home poultry.
There are at the moment an estimated 3 000 penguins in Simon’s City, so the affected numbers are nonetheless very low at this stage. South African Nationwide Parks (SANParks), Western Cape Veterinary Providers, Metropolis of Cape City, SANCCOB and different seabird rehabilitation centres are intently monitoring the state of affairs and can assess the necessity for additional motion.
TMNP and its conservation companions are additionally taking precautions to scale back the unfold of the virus. This consists of limiting entry to the breeding colony, together with researchers, and making use of strict disinfection of footwear when workers go away the colony. Lifeless and sick birds will probably be eliminated and transferred to SANCCOB for evaluation and potential testing.
The avian influenza virus is unfold between birds by faeces and different physique excretions and by folks dealing with sick birds. Regardless that the virus is unlikely to contaminate people, precautions needs to be taken.
Affected birds are weak and should look tame, can not fly, present indicators of tremors or twitches and seizures or lack of stability, and one or each eyes could also be droopy or cloudy. Please don’t strategy, contact or deal with the birds. Guests ought to bathe, change and clear their footwear and garments earlier than visiting different seabird colonies or poultry farms to forestall contamination from one web site to a different.
Closing the Boulders colony to guests shouldn’t be justified at this stage, however guests should keep on designated boardwalks. They’re requested to look out for any suspected chook flu instances by reporting sick and/or useless birds to TMNP park administration on 021 786 2329/ 021 780 9100 or SANCCOB 021 557 6155. Alternatively, contact the penguin rangers on 064 844 9075.
Image: Getaway gallery
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