The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has issued an urgent alert following the re-emergence of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) across parts of South Africa. Commonly known as bird flu, the virus has now been confirmed in North West, Mpumalanga, and most recently, the Western Cape – prompting fresh concerns among poultry producers and conservationists alike.
Confirmed Outbreaks
The province’s first outbreak in the current wave was detected in early July on a duck farm near Paarl. Both ducks and associated chickens were humanely culled to contain the spread. Meanwhile, wild bird deaths – the first recorded since April – have included Great White Pelicans near Malmesbury and Hartlaub’s Gulls in the Cape Town region. These are the first mass mortalities of wild birds due to bird flu in the Western Cape since 2022.
Understanding Avian Influenza
Avian influenza is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds, often with fatal outcomes. The virus spreads via direct contact with infected birds or contaminated materials, including faeces and feathers. Wild birds may show neurological symptoms such as seizures or disorientation, and unusually tame behaviour.
While cases of HPAI in humans and mammals have occurred overseas following close contact with infected birds, the current risk to the South African public remains low. Crucially, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this stage. Poultry products available in stores are safe for consumption.
Reporting and Vigilance Needed
Under the Animal Diseases Act (No. 35 of 1984), avian influenza is a controlled disease, and any suspected cases in poultry must be reported to a local State Veterinarian without delay. The WCDoA also appeals to the public to report unusual wild bird deaths — especially clusters of seabirds (three or more) or even single raptors — through official reporting channels or the “SA seabird bird flu form” accessible via the Oceans and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS).
Live sick seabirds should only be handled by professionals or taken to seabird rehabilitation centres.
Biosecurity: The Front Line of Defence
With the poultry sector still recovering from past outbreaks, farmers are urged to implement and reinforce strict biosecurity measures. These include:
- Limiting farm access to essential personnel only
- Banning entry to anyone who has had poultry contact in the last 48 hours
- Preventing interaction between poultry and wild birds through fencing or netting
- Disinfecting all vehicles, footwear, and equipment entering or leaving poultry premises
- The virus often spreads via contaminated materials, so hygiene remains critical in preventing farm-to-farm transmission.
Cooperation Key to Containment
As the Western Cape faces the threat of another wave of avian influenza, the responsibility is shared between government, farmers, and the public. Continued vigilance, rapid reporting, and rigorous on-farm practices are essential to curbing the spread and protecting not only poultry flocks but also the province’s broader agricultural economy and biodiversity.
For updates and veterinary contact information, visit the official WCDoA website at www.elsenburg.com