UPDATE: Western Cape Avian Influenza outbreak and Seal deaths
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. The Cape Cormorant remains most affected with 20558 dead Cape Cormorants recorded to date.
Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the numbers of dead birds continues 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 stakeholder continue to work hard to address the situation where it crops up.”
With regards to deaths among seal populations along the coastline of the province, the results of the testing that has been conducted by state 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.”
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. The SPCA and NSPCA may also be contacted. Contact details for state veterinarians are available at https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services-0#s=Animal-Health-and-Disease-Control
The public is also encouraged to stay away from any seals that have washed up on beaches and to keep dogs away from dead and injured seals. Any seal stranded, whether in the process of dying or dead should be left alone.
Related News
Roll-out of baboon-proof bins to start as northern fence gets under way
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team is pleased to announce key developments related to the practical implementation of the approved Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). The Action Plan that guides the practical implementation of the CPBSMP was approved by SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in November 2025.
Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone
A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.
CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves
Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety. Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and