Cape Town conservation teams have been responding to a avian flu outbreak, urging residents to help protect local seabirds by reporting any sick or dead birds.
Cape Town, South Africa (03 September 2025)- Cape Town’s summer is almost here! The season of picnics, long beach days and the seabirds filling the skies. But alongside the sunshine, there is an important message for residents and visitors. An outbreak of avian flu has been confirmed in the city, and conservation groups are stepping in to protect both the birds and the community.
The city is facing a fresh outbreak of avian flu, with seabirds in the city showing severe signs of illness. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), a non-profit that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases seabirds, has been on the frontline, working around the clock to respond.
“We’ve been responding to calls about birds that have been affected, mostly Hartlaub’s gulls, in and around the Cape Town area that are showing signs like twitching and other neurological signs,” Dr. David Roberts from SANCCOB explained. “Often they look very sick or they won’t fly away.”
The disease, officially known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), is a viral infection that spreads quickly and can be deadly to birds. It is transmitted through droppings, bodily fluids, direct contact, or even contaminated materials. For now, the outbreak is considered small, but experts are bracing for the possibility of it spreading over the next few months.
SANCCOB has urged the public to resist the instinct to help or get too close.
“If members of the public see birds like this, please don’t approach them, don’t touch sick or dead birds, but report them to our officers.”
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By reporting sightings instead of intervening, the public can help trained responders act quickly and safely, reducing the risk of further spread. The call for awareness is not just about the birds, but also about protecting people and the wider environment.
“We are working with the conservation authorities and the local government to ensure that we respond appropriately to this outbreak and protect ourselves and each other as well as the wild birds that are going to be affected.”
Cape Town’s coastline is home to diverse seabird populations, and the outbreak is a reminder of how fragile this balance is. While many may see a gull as just part of the city’s backdrop, each plays an important role in the ecosystem. This outbreak is an urgent call for residents to stay alert, report responsibly, and support the organisations working tirelessly to protect these vulnerable species.
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Sources: SANCCOB
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