The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), or “bird flu,” in the province. The case, detected in farmed ducks near Paarl in early July, is the first poultry outbreak in the Western Cape this year. The affected ducks and associated chickens were voluntarily culled to prevent further spread.
Recent outbreaks have also been reported in chickens in North West and Mpumalanga, while HPAI has caused mortalities among Great White Pelicans near Malmesbury and Hartlaub’s Gulls in Cape Town. These are the first wild bird cases reported in the province since April 2024, and the first mass mortalities since 2022.
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds and can spread through contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. Infected wild birds may appear unusually tame, lose their fear of humans, or show neurological symptoms such as twitching or seizures.
While the risk to humans is low and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, officials urge the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report any unusual mortalities to local authorities.
The department has reassured consumers that poultry products from grocery stores remain safe to eat.
Farmers and poultry producers are urged to apply strict biosecurity measures, including restricting access to farms, keeping poultry separate from wild birds, and disinfecting vehicles, footwear, and equipment.
The public is also encouraged to report unusual numbers of sick or dead wild birds, especially seabirds, via official reporting channels.
Recent outbreaks have also been reported in chickens in North West and Mpumalanga, while HPAI has caused mortalities among Great White Pelicans near Malmesbury and Hartlaub’s Gulls in Cape Town. These are the first wild bird cases reported in the province since April 2024, and the first mass mortalities since 2022.
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds and can spread through contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. Infected wild birds may appear unusually tame, lose their fear of humans, or show neurological symptoms such as twitching or seizures.
While the risk to humans is low and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, officials urge the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report any unusual mortalities to local authorities.
The department has reassured consumers that poultry products from grocery stores remain safe to eat.
Farmers and poultry producers are urged to apply strict biosecurity measures, including restricting access to farms, keeping poultry separate from wild birds, and disinfecting vehicles, footwear, and equipment.
The public is also encouraged to report unusual numbers of sick or dead wild birds, especially seabirds, via official reporting channels.
