Avian flu (HPAI) Outbreak in South African Seabirds

© Dan Callister/Penguins & Sharks

From SANCCOB, Cape Town

Since early July 2025, a new outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in wild seabirds across the Western Cape. These are the first wild‐bird detections in the province since April 2024. Wild seabirds infected with HPAI often develop neurological signs such as tremors, head twitches and seizures. Although HPAI occasionally infects mammals and humans, the risk to the public remains very low when basic precautions are followed. Members of the public are encouraged not to touch sick or dead birds and to report them to the authorities.

What is High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza?

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, is a viral disease that causes rapid, severe illness in birds. The type of HPAI affecting seabirds in South Africa is officially known as H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.

Which birds have been affected?

At the beginning of August 2025, most of the affected wild birds were Hartlaub’s gulls. Cases have also been reported in Great White Pelicans, Grey-headed Gulls, Kelp gulls, Whitebreasted cormorants, Crowned Cormorants and Sacred Ibises. Domestic chickens and ducks have also been affected.

What is SANCCOB doing to respond to this outbreak?

SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) has played a leading role in response to this crisis. Our priorities are: keeping our seabird hospitals safe from infection, supporting conservation authorities with wild responder efforts, monitoring the impact on wild birds, and ensuring good animal welfare. Our actions include surveillance, working with State Veterinary Services and conservation authorities to monitor and manage the disease, advising on response procedures, educating rehabilitation centres, veterinarians, and first responders, and arranging humane euthanasia for birds showing clinical signs.

Additionally, SANCCOB actively engages the public through media outreach and education on how to report sick and dead birds safely, to help map the outbreak in real time.

How can I tell if a bird has HPAI?

HPAI can only be confirmed through a laboratory (PCR) test. At this time, any bird displaying any of the following signs should be suspected to be affected by the disease.

1. Twitches or seizures

2. Unusual tameness

3. Cloudy eyes

4. Inability to walk or fly away

How can the public help?

If you encounter a sick or dead wild bird, please report it.

1. Do not touch, feed, or attempt to rescue the bird yourself.

2. Observe from a safe distance and record the following

   • The exact location (GPS coordinates are best, or an exact street address. You can record the exact location on a smartphone mapping app, WhatsApp location pins work well).

   • The date and timeSpecies (if you can identify it)

   • Clinical signs (tremors, unusual tameness, cloudy eyes)

   • The number of birds affected

3. Take a video and photograph of the bird 4. Report immediately via one of these channels:

4. For seabirds:

   • SANCCOB: 021 557 6155 (landline) / 078 638 3731 (Cell phone and WhatsApp)

   • For birds that are not seabirds:

   • Use the DFFE Avian Influenza Reporting Tool: https://arcg.is/1585011

5. Sadly, affected birds cannot be treated. The authorities will assist with arranging for humane euthanasia.

Your report helps us map the outbreak in real time and take swift action to protect other birds.

Protecting Yourself, Your Family & Pets

• Do not handle sick or dead birds without authorisation

• Keep pets away from dead or sick birds. 

• Keep your dog on a leash when you are visiting the beach.

• Keep domestic poultry and pet birds away from wild birds.

• Seek medical advice if you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) within 10 days of contact with a sick or dead bird, and inform your healthcare provider about possible HPAI exposure.

What if I have touched a sick or dead bird?

• Remove any droppings (guano) or other bodily fluids from the affected bird using a disposable paper towel.

• Disinfect your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

• Disposable items that were in contact with the bird can be packaged in a plastic bag and sent with the bird for safe disposal when collected.

• Surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water, then disinfected with a diluted household bleach solution (120ml of bleach per litre of water, 30ml per cup of water).

• Wash and disinfect your hands again after cleaning.

• Change your clothes and wash your hair before making any contact with domestic birds.

• Any clothing exposed to a potentially affected bird should be washed normally and dried in the sun or in a tumble-dryer.

Please help support The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)