The Western Cape department of agriculture (WCDoA) has confirmed a new outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in farmed ducks near Paarl. This marks the province’s first poultry-related outbreak since the resurgence of the disease in other parts of the country.
The ducks, along with associated chickens, were humanely culled in early July to contain the spread. Recent outbreaks have also been reported in chickens in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces.
In addition to domestic poultry, the virus has been responsible for mortalities in wild birds, including Great White Pelicans near Malmesbury and Hartlaub’s Gulls in the Cape Town area. These are the first confirmed wild bird cases in the Western Cape since April 2024, and the first mass die-offs since 2022.
Understanding avian influenza
Avian influenza is a viral disease primarily affecting birds. Infected wild birds may behave abnormally, appearing tame, losing fear of humans, or showing neurological symptoms such as twitching or seizures. The virus is shed in bird droppings and body fluids and spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
Globally, the virus has infected a limited number of mammals and humans after close contact with infected birds, but human-to-human transmission has not been recorded. Health officials stress that the risk to humans remains low, but contact with sick or dead birds should be avoided.
Consumers are assured that poultry products sold in South African grocery stores remain safe to eat.
Call for public and sector cooperation
The WCDoA is calling on the public, poultry farmers, and the broader agricultural sector to assist in preventing the spread of HPAI. The disease is classified as a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act (35 of 1984).
Suspected cases in poultry should be reported immediately to a local State Veterinarian. Contact details are available via the department’s website: www.elsenburg.com.
Anyone encountering unusual numbers of sick or dead wild birds—approximately three or more seabirds or even one or two solitary birds of prey—is encouraged to report the sightings. Reports can be made through the “SA seabird bird flu form” on the OCIMS website or directly at https://arcg.is/1585011.
Biosecurity measures for poultry farmers
Farmers and poultry producers are urged to implement strict biosecurity protocols:
- Limit farm access: Restrict entry to anyone who has had contact with poultry within the past 48 hours.
- Prevent interaction between poultry and wild birds using screens, fencing, or netting.
- Disinfect all vehicles and footwear when entering and exiting poultry facilities.
The department stresses that through collective vigilance and action, it is possible to curb the spread of avian influenza and protect both the poultry industry and broader communities.
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