Avian Flu Outbreak in Seabirds October 2021 - Notice from BirdLife SA
Avian Flu Outbreak in Seabirds - Notice from BirdLife SA
(via CAPE BIRD CLUB October 2021 Christina Hagen)
AVIAN FLU OUTBREAK in SEABIRDS
We have received the following notice from BirdLife SA. Please share this with friends or colleagues to ensure that as many people as possible know what to do if they encounter an affected bird.
Dear colleagues
BirdLife South Africa is saddened and concerned about the outbreak of avian influenza in wild seabirds in the West Coast and Overberg regions. It has affected several seabird species so far but especially worryingly, over 1500 dead Endangered Cape Cormorants were located by authorities on Wednesday. Signs of the disease include weakness, muscle twitches and seizures. The birds often seem very tame, so if you encounter such birds, please do not attempt to catch them, or to transport sick birds, even to take them to rehabilitation centres or vets. This virus spreads very quickly between birds and, unfortunately, cannot be effectively treated. It can also affect domestic birds and poultry.
BirdLife South Africa is staying in contact with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, SANCCOB and other organisations to help monitor the situation.
The Disaster Management Centre is coordinating efforts to manage this disease and urges the public to report large numbers of mortalities or sick birds to the local conservation authority (SANParks or CapeNature) or state veterinarian. or report them here on iNaturalist and add project Avian Influenza (s Afr).
For contact details and more information:
- https://www.birdlife.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BirdLife-South-Africa-Avian-Influenza-Position-Statement.pdf
- https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services-0#s=Animal-Health-and-Disease-Control
- https://sanccob.co.za/suspected-avian-influenza-hpai-outbreak-along-the-coast-of-the-western-cape
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