World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline.
HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are urged not to touch, move or attempt to rescue sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away from affected animals.
Seabirds are important indicators of the health of our marine and coastal ecosystems. By reporting suspected cases of avian influenza and following safety guidelines, members of the public can support conservation agencies in responding effectively while reducing risks to wildlife and people.
Members of the public can assist monitoring efforts by reporting sightings of sick or dead birds. These reports help conservation authorities and partners track the spread of HPAI, identify affected areas and respond appropriately.
If a bird is encountered, it should be observed from a safe distance and key details recorded, including location, date, species (if known), number of birds affected and any unusual behaviour or clinical signs such as tremors or disorientation. Photographs or video may be taken without disturbing the bird.
Reports can be made through the following channels:
- Live seabirds: contact a seabird rehabilitation centre (SANCCOB).
- Dead seabirds: DFFE OCIMS Avian Influenza Reporting Tool: https://arcg.is/1585011 or https://ocims.environment.gov....
- Multiple dead birds in close proximity: report to the relevant authority (Stranding networks, Municipality, CapeNature, SANParks or landowner) for safe removal. Contact: 083 236 2924 or estuaries@capenature.co.za.
- Other birds: live birds should be reported to the local State Veterinarian and dead birds to the relevant conservation authority. State Veterinarian contact details are available here.
HPAI cannot currently be treated in wild birds. Where infection is confirmed, authorities may arrange humane euthanasia to prevent unnecessary suffering and reduce further transmission.
Certain strains of HPAI can infect humans, although human infections remain rare. The public is encouraged to avoid unnecessary contact with sick or dead birds and to seek medical advice if flu-like symptoms develop following potential exposure.
Additional guidance on reporting and safe response measures is available from CapeNature and conservation partners.
Every report helps conservation authorities and partners monitor the outbreak and support an effective response to protect birds, including seabirds, and other wildlife.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
Related News
Green Noise named SA Podcast Awards finalist
Green Noise, CapeNature's podcast, has been named a finalist in the Best Education category at the 2026 South African Podcast Awards. The podcast is one of five finalists in the category, competing alongside Pippa Hudson's Curriculum Bootcamp and Dr Carra's The Paws & Effect Podcast, among others. Finalists are scored across six criteria: concept and originality, content quality, host performance, structure and pacing, audience connection and production quality. Each entry is scored blind by an independent panel of judges.
CapeNature to phase out trade in California kingsnakes
CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae) in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on 1 April 2026, after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. Animals already lawfully held may remain in captivity for the remainder of their natural lives. The assessment, which used the Bomford (2008) rapid risk assessment model, identified the potential for ecological disruption and competition with indigenous species should
HeliHack volunteers clear 5 334 invasive pines from Boosmansbos
Twenty-three volunteers were flown by helicopter into the remote upper slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area from 23–25 October 2026, where they cut down 5 334 invasive alien pine trees across 904 hectares. The operation, led by the HeliHack Initiative in partnership with CapeNature, comes as the region is still recovering from the wildfires of 2025. With the South African Weather Service forecasting a strong El Niño and warmer, drier conditions through the 2026/27 summer, the fire risk in the months
CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.
Penguin Palooza 2026 returns to Stony Point in support of African Penguin conservation
Stony Point in Betty’s Bay is one of the last known locations on Earth where African Penguins still breed on the mainland, and the species is under growing pressure. On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Penguin Palooza returns to Stony Point Nature Reserve, giving the public a chance to learn about the species and the work CapeNature, SANCCOB and other partners are doing to protect it.
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.