The outbreak of Avian Influenza amongst wild seabirds in the Western Cape has seen an estimated 21172 dead birds, with 13195 birds dying on Dyer Island off Gansbaai.
According to authorities in the province, the Cape Cormorant remains most affected with 20558 dead Cape Cormorants recorded to date.
Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell says the numbers of dead birds continue to drop with less than 100 dead birds being reported per day at the moment.
“The numbers remain low but constant at the moment. All efforts continue to manage the situation, with the primary focus on responding swiftly to areas where dead and sick birds are found and then implementing a clean-up.
“We believe if the efforts are let up, the numbers may increase again so all our stakeholders continue to work hard to address the situation where it crops up,” Bredell indicated.
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Bredell said further that in regards to the deaths among the seal populations along the coastline of the province, the test results that have been conducted by the state’s veterinarian services remain outstanding.
“We are waiting for the results which we hope will provide clearer answers relating to the seal deaths we are seeing across the province. It is an ongoing cause of concern and we hope to see the results soon,” Bredell explained.
In the meantime, the Disaster Management Centre urges the public across the province to continue to be vigilant and report unusual behaviour or mortalities in any birds to their local municipality, conservation authority or state veterinarian.
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Picture: @africabirdy/Twitter
