The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs says the number of seabirds dying due to the outbreak of avian flu has been declining, while according to SABC, spokesperson James-Brent Styan says the number of recorded dead birds are now standing at 18 000 since October, of which are mostly Cape Cormorants.
Also read: Avian flu outbreak decreasing in the Western Cape
This is an ongoing crisis, while the Cape’s coastlines continue to see more and more dead seals washing up, reports EWN.
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“We continue to address the outbreak, we’re very grateful for all the help and support we’ve received from all the stakeholders and the officials who have been working tirelessly for more than a month now. We hope we’ve turned a corner, but more time is needed to be sure. The public is also urged to continue to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities or behaviour among wild birds to the SPCA, their local municipality, conservation authority, or veterinarian surgeon,” he expressed as per SABC.
With regards to the high number of sick and dying seals, Styan said they are waiting to hear from the national veterinary on what could have caused this.
“We are concerned about the abnormally high number of animals which appear to be dying and we are committed to finding out why,” he adds.
The public is still urged to report any dying or sick birds and seals to the SPCA or local veterinarians.
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Picture: Jenny Parson / Twitter