The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs says the number of seabirds dying due to an outbreak of avian flu seems to be declining.
Spokesperson James-Brent Styan says the number of recorded dead birds stands at more than 18 000, of which most are Cape Cormorants.
The area most affected is Dyer Island where more than 12 000 birds have died. Styan says they have not had any reports of the virus spreading further inland.
“We continue to address the outbreak, we’re very grateful for all the help and support we’ve received from all the stakeholders and the officials who have been working tirelessly for more than a month now. We hope we’ve turned a corner, but more time is needed to be sure. The public is also urged to continue to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities or behaviour among wild birds to the SPCA, their local municipality, conservation authority, or veterinarian surgeon.”
