Today is Penguin Awareness Day. SANCCOB recently warned that African penguins continue to be affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with 23 birds testing positive since September, reports Cape {town} Etc.
SANCCOB said it has reinforced quarantine and biosecurity at its seabird hospitals and stepped up field surveillance to protect birds under care and in the wild. ‘All new patients are kept in quarantine until a negative PCR test shows they are free from HPAI,’ the charity said.
‘At least nine critically endangered wild African Penguins have now died from bird flu. The outbreak of the disease, also called high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has already killed over 1000 South African seabirds since July.’ (SANCCOB)
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The organisation asked the public not to touch sick, unusually tame, injured or dead seabirds and to report sightings so trained responders can act safely. SANCCOB said ongoing testing guides its biosecurity measures and helps decide when it is safe to release rehabilitated birds.
To mark Penguin Awareness Day SANCCOB invited donations to cover fish and care costs. A minimum R150 donation helps feed penguins in rehabilitation and enters supporters into a prize draw supported by The Oyster Collection.
The Western Cape government continues to monitor HPAI along the coast and urges calm while surveillance continues.
Readers who see a sick or dead seabird should report it to SANCCOB or local conservation authorities immediately.
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Watch: African penguin hops onto surfboards during dawn session
Picture: SANCCOB / Facebook
