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FILE PHOTO: Test tubes labelled “Bird Flu” and eggs are seen in this picture illustration.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has confirmed a new outbreak of bird flu in farmed ducks near Paarl. It says the ducks and associated chickens were culled to prevent the spread.
The department says the virus has also caused pelican and gull deaths near Malmesbury and Cape Town, which is the first mass wild bird case since 2022. Authorities says poultry products remain safe to eat, but sick or dead birds should not be handled.
State Veterinarian, Dr Laura Roberts says, “Clothing, vehicles and equipment can be contaminated with the virus via faeces and other body fluids and can serve as a source of infection. Although the risk to humans and their pets is still low, the public is advised to be cautious and to avoid contact with sick and dead birds and rather just report to the local state vet or responsible conservation or municipal authority. Sick seabirds can be reported to rehabilitation centers too.”
