Western Cape Avian Influenza outbreak
UPDATE: Western Cape Avian Influenza outbreak
An Avian Influenza outbreak amongst wild seabirds continues to affect the coastal regions of the Western Cape with Dyer Island in the Overberg currently an area of great concern.
The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says efforts continue to bring the outbreak under control but cautions that the situation may continue for another few weeks.
“It is a very complex situation to manage considering these are wild seabirds all along the coast of the Western Cape. At the moment we are most concerned about Dyer Island where an estimated 500 birds per day are dying. Dyer Island is a breeding colony where the birds are in close proximity to one another and the infections are spiking.”
Other hotspots include De Mond Nature Reserve and the Bergrivier Municipality area where the outbreak was first seen.
“The next 14 days will be critical, and we continue to ask the public to work with us and not to approach or transport any sick or dead birds. Rather let us know so we can respond at speed. At the moment the Cape Cormorant species is most affected however, we are particularly concerned about the Bank Cormorant, a unique species of Cormorant which is extremely rare and may also be affected. We are also grateful for the cooperation and help from all the partners involved.”
The Disaster Management Centre also urges the public to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities in any birds to their local municipality, conservation authority or state veterinarian. The SPCA 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
Related News
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future
Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
Record-breaking pine clearing operation strengthens water security at Boosmansbos
A successful HeliHack operation has cleared 15 194 invasive pine trees from the rugged slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area – a CapeNature-managed World Heritage Site and crucial catchment area feeding the Duivenhoks Dam.
From 3–5 May 2025, the latest mission to tackle the invasive alien vegetation marked the most successful pine removal in the initiative’s history.
The Western Cape’s natural wonders continue to be a key economic contributor to the tourism sector
Through the peak summer season in December 2024 and January 2025, there was a tremendous influx of visitors to CapeNature-managed provincial reserves, with over 146 550 overnight and day visitors passing through many reserve gates. Minister Bredell unpacks why more visitors are seeking nature-based attractions when it comes to deciding on a holiday destination.
Elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew recorded for the first time in 46 years!
One of the Western Cape’s most mysterious mammals, the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani), has made a reappearance, 46 years after it was last recorded! Conservationists from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and Helihack, together with volunteer biologists found one of these tiny mammals in CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?