Infectious avian flu strain hits the Western Cape

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak that was first detected in South Africa in April on a farm in the West Rand, Johannesburg, is now threatening the great white pelican population in the Western Cape. The virus has already killed 40 of these birds, according to government agency CapeNature.

The flu was detected in birds on a farm north of Malmesbury, as well as on Dassen Island.  

On Tuesday, the organisation said it was monitoring and taking action to respond to the H5N1 strain, which is highly pathogenic.

Support the journalism that helps you navigate your world

Subscribe to the M&G today for just R30 for the first three months* to gain access to this story and all our best journalism, subscriber-only newsletters, events and a weekly cryptic crossword.”

Digital Subscriber (R 99.00) Digital & Print - Annual Subscription (R 1,606.50) Digital - Quarterly (R 30.00)
Have a discount code? Click here

Username

Password

Confirm Password

E-mail Address

Confirm E-mail

Full Name LEAVE THIS BLANK

Existing subscriber? Login

Looking for another offer?