Bird flu has been detected at the Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town.

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) management said on Friday that four cases had been detected among the endangered seabirds, with another seven cases suspected.

The strain is the same as the one detected in seabirds in the Western Cape earlier this year.

The area will remain open to visitors for the time being, but visitors are advised to stay on designated boardwalks and report any suspected bird flu cases to TMNP management.

There a currently an estimated 3000 penguins in Simon’s Town, so the affected numbers are still very low at this stage.

South African National Parks (SANParks), Western Cape Veterinary Services, City of Cape Town, SANCCOB and other seabird rehabilitation centres, are closely monitoring the situation and will assess the need for further action.

Precautions to reduce the spread of the virus include limiting access to the breeding colony, including researchers, and applying strict disinfection of footwear when staff leave the colony.

Read: SANParks investigating after 63 African penguins from Boulders beach found dead, presumably after being stung by bees

Dead and sick birds will also be removed and transferred to SANCCOB for assessment and possible testing.

Avian influenza virus is spread between birds by faeces and other body excretions and by people handling sick birds. Even though the virus is unlikely to infect humans, precautions should be taken.

Gloves and masks should be worn if handling birds. Any equipment, including vehicles and protective clothing that could be contaminated, should be disinfected.

Affected birds are weak and may look tame, cannot fly, show signs of tremors or twitches and seizures or loss of balance, and one or both eyes may be droopy or cloudy.

Please do not approach, touch or handle the birds.

Visitors should shower, change and clean their shoes and clothes before visiting other seabird colonies or poultry farms to prevent contamination from one site to another.

Closing the Boulders colony to visitors is not justified at this stage, but visitors must stay on designated boardwalks.

They are requested to look out for any suspected bird flu cases by reporting sick and/or dead birds to TMNP park management on 021 786 2329/ 021 780 9100 or SANCCOB 021 557 6155.

Alternatively, contact the penguin rangers on 064 844 9075.