There has been one confirmed case of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the province, detected in a Hartlaub’s Gull. The public is requested to remain vigilant and report any birds showing symptoms consistent with AI (twitches, seizures, or other unusual behaviour).
If you find a bird that has these clinical signs, please phone SANCCOB to discuss the next steps. Please take a video and send it to SANCCOB, and then we can assess the signs to tell if avian influenza is likely.
Unfortunately, the disease is not treatable, and affected birds must be humanely euthanised to reduce suffering.
Various veterinary clinics in Gqeberha have agreed to euthanise affected birds so that they do not need to travel to SANCCOB. But, please inform us before taking the bird straight to the vet.
This precaution is essential to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect our critically endangered African Penguins and other seabirds currently in care at the center.
If any bird is brought to SANCCOB, please wait outside the building until a staff member from the rehabilitation team can assess whether the bird is showing signs of HPAI.
Please ensure that any car used to transport a bird with suspected HPAI is disinfected thoroughly immediately afterward.
