Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) management has alerted the public that the Western Cape Veterinary Services and SANCCOB Saves Seabirds, have confirmed at least four new bird flu cases in the Boulders Penguin Colony in Cape Town.

Another seven cases are suspected, but they have not been confirmed yet.

The Boulders Penguin Colony in Cape Town is a popular tourist attraction site.

In a statement released on Friday morning, TMNP said this strain of bird flu, also known as avian influenza virus, has been detected in a range of wild seabirds, which includes African penguins, Cape cormorants, swift, sandwich and common terns, and Cape gannets since May 2021.

“There is currently an estimated 3 000 penguins in Simon’s Town, so the affected numbers are still very low at this stage. South African National Parks, Western Cape Veterinary Services, City of Cape Town, SANCCOB and other seabird rehabilitation centres, are closely monitoring the situation and will assess the need for further action,” said TMNP.

The park added it, along with its conservation partners, are also taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.

“This includes limiting access to the breeding colony, including researchers, and applying strict disinfection of footwear when staff leave the colony. Dead and sick birds will also be removed and transferred to SANCCOB for assessment and possible testing.”

Bird flu’s effect on humans

Avian influenza virus is spread between birds by faeces and other body excretions and by people handling sick birds. Even though the virus is unlikely to infect humans, precautions should be taken. Gloves and masks should be worn if handling birds. Any equipment, including vehicles and protective clothing that could be contaminated, should be disinfected.

Affected birds

Affected birds are weak and may look tame, cannot fly, show signs of tremors or twitches and seizures or loss of balance, and one or both eyes may be droopy or cloudy. Do not approach, touch or handle the birds. Visitors should shower, change and clean their shoes and clothes before visiting other seabird colonies or poultry farms to prevent contamination from one site to another.

Table Mountain National Park said closing the Boulders colony to visitors is not justified at this stage, but visitors must stay on designated boardwalks. They are requested to look out for any suspected bird flu cases by reporting sick and/or dead birds to TMNP park management on 021 786 2329/ 021 780 9100 or SANCCOB 021 557 6155. Alternatively, contact the penguin rangers on 064 844 9075.