The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) has reinforced its biosecurity protocols in response to the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting wild seabirds along South Africa’s coastline.
Recently several cases of HPAI were confirmed in African Penguins, highlighting the serious risk which the virus poses to already threatened seabird populations. The Critically Endangered African Penguin in particular, faces immense pressure from multiple threats, and the spread of HPAI adds to the urgency of conservation efforts aimed at preventing its extinction.
SANCCOB’s Cape Town and Gqeberha seabird rehabilitation centres remain operational, with strict biosecurity measures in place to reduce the risk of the disease affecting the birds in our care. These include:
- Quarantine and HPAI testing for all incoming seabirds,
- Strict disinfection and sanitation protocols,
- Controlled movement of staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Members of the public are reminded not to handle sick or dead seabirds and to report sightings immediately so that trained responders can act swiftly and safely.
Report sightings of sick or dead seabirds to:
SANCCOB’s 24-hour Seabird Rescue Line – 021 557 6155 or 078 638 3731 (Cape Town) or 041 583 1830 (Gqeberha)
Through proactive monitoring, strict biosecurity, and collaboration with partner organisations, SANCCOB remains dedicated to protecting seabirds and supporting national efforts to limit the impact of HPAI on South Africa’s coastal wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 considered a suspected case of HPAI.
- Unusual behaviour or tameness
- Twitches, tremors or seizures
- Cloudy eyes
- Inability to walk or fly away
What to do if you find an affected bird
If you encounter a sick or dead wild bird:
- Do not touch, feed, or attempt to rescue it.
- Keep at least one metre away.
- Record the exact location, time, and species (if known).
- Take a photo or video if possible.
Report immediately to:
- SANCCOB (seabirds): 021 557 6155 (Cape Town) / 078 638 3731 (WhatsApp) / 041 583 1830 (Gqeberha)
- DFFE OCIMS Reporting Tool (other birds): National OCIMS
Your report helps authorities track and respond to the outbreak in real time.
What to do to protect your pets and family
- Keep dogs on leashes near beaches and coastal areas.
- Keep pets and domestic birds away from wild birds and their droppings.
- Wash hands and shoes thoroughly after contact with wild birds.
- If you develop flu-like symptoms after possible exposure, seek medical advice and mention contact with a sick or dead bird.
What if I have touched a sick or dead bird?
- Wash hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Remove droppings or fluids using disposable paper towels and seal them in a plastic bag.
- Disinfect any surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (120 ml bleach per litre of water).
- Wash exposed clothing and dry it in sunlight or a tumble dryer before re-wearing.
- Avoid contact with other birds until you’ve cleaned and changed.
How can I help?
You can help limit the spread of HPAI by:
- Reporting sick or dead seabirds immediately.
- Sharing verified updates from SANCCOB and DFFE.
- Encouraging others not to touch or interfere with wild birds.
Supporting SANCCOB financially or with equipment donations
Public support fuels SANCCOB’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve vulnerable and protected Seabirds.
Support by:
- Donating: www.sanccob.co.za/donate
- Contributing equipment: latex gloves, F10 or bleach disinfectant.
- Adopting a Penguin
- Volunteering at SANCCOB’s Cape Town or Gqeberha centres.
