Bird flu confirmed at Boulders penguin colony

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an alert to the public regarding confirmed cases of bird flu (avian influenza) in the penguin colony at Boulders Beach in the Western Cape, a popular tourist attraction.

Management has stressed that the virus is one that poses low risk to humans, however is a threat to domestic poultry. This strain of avian influenza virus (H5N8 strain) has so far been detected in a variety of wild seabirds, such as common terns, swifts, gannets and African penguins.

The situation is being monitored closely by park management, who have now implemented the following precautions:

Boulders Beach boardwalk remains open for visitors, however no one may access the main breeding colony.

Staff are permitted to walk off boardwalks only when necessary, and will sterilise their SANParks-issued gumboots afterwards.

Monitoring routes used for moult and nest counts have been reviewed to ensure that staff and penguin monitors do not walk through the main penguin breeding colony.

SANParks has advised visitors in the area to change their shoes and clothes if they plan to visit other seabird colonies or poultry farms, in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

SANParks is currently working closely with Western Cape veterinary services, CapeNature, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the City of Cape Town, SANCCOB and other seabird rehabilitation centres and private veterinarians to monitor the situation and ensure the virus does not spread.

Source: tourismupdate.co.za

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