New Bird Flu Outbreaks Confirmed in South Africa’s Western Cape

Authorities in South Africa’s Western Cape have confirmed new bird flu outbreaks, urging the public to stay alert but not alarmed.
 
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in chickens in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces. A separate outbreak was detected in ducks near Paarl in early July. Affected animals were culled to prevent further spread.
 
Bird flu has also led to deaths among great white pelicans in the Cape Town area. This is the first case of mass mortalities among wild birds since 2022.