The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has reported a new avian flu outbreak in farmed ducks near Paarl. To contain the virus, infected ducks and nearby chickens were culled.
The department also noted pelican and gull fatalities near Malmesbury and Cape Town—the first major wild bird outbreak since 2022. While poultry products remain safe for consumption, the public is warned against handling sick or dead birds.
Dr. Laura Roberts, State Veterinarian, cautioned that clothing, vehicles, and equipment can carry the virus through bird droppings and fluids. Though human and pet risks remain low, people should avoid contact with affected birds and report cases to local vets, conservation authorities, or seabird rehabilitation centers.
