Spread of H5N8 bird flu among endangered African penguins has Parliament worried
Parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture has expressed concern about the spread of H5N8 avian flu to African penguins along the coast of the Western Cape, particularly Boulders Beach. "This concerns the committee as the penguins are an endangered species," committee chairperson Rosina Semenya said. "The committee further awaits a response from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries following a statement by an avian veterinarian alleging that avian flu and listeriosis may be attributed to the low quality of grain that is being fed to birds, which affects their immune system." The committee said the vaccination of wild birds or the containment of the environment in which they live or breed may not necessarily be the answer. However, Semenya said that the department must continue to monitor bird populations, and the testing of sick birds and carcasses must be done regularly as bird colonies were at risk. "The public are warned that cross contamination occurs when ...
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