MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Sick terns (sterretjies) were found all along the coast over the festive season. 

They show signs of weakness and have cloudy eyes and develop head tremors, a lack of balance, they walk in circles and have seizures.

Tests on sick birds as well as data sampling on dead birds have been done and H5N8 avian influenza has been found in the birds. 

This is the same strain that has caused deaths in commercial chickens and other poultry since June 2017.

Other wild birds infected were guinea fowl, laughing doves, rock pigeons, pied crows, sacred ibis, blue cranes, Egyptian geese, spotted eagle owls, peregrine falcons and house sparrows.

Avian influenza is a viral respiratory disease of birds that is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy and infected birds, or through indirect contact with contaminated equipment or other materials.

The virus is present in the faeces of infected birds and in discharges from the nose, mouth and eyes.

The virus can spread into domestic flocks through faecal contamination from wild birds. 

There is currently no preventive vaccine or treatment for HPAI H5N8. 

There is also no benefit to be gained in attempting to control the virus in wild birds through culling or habitat destruction. 

Ostrich and chicken meat on sale in retail outlets is safe for human consumption.

This tern, collected at the Point in Mossel Bay, had avian influenza.

The virus has so far shown no sign of being infectious to people. Constant monitoring of exposed people in SA has supported this. 

However, people can spread the disease via hands, clothes and vehicles.

What can we do?

• Avoid handling birds without gloves, especially if you will be coming in contact with other birds.
• All dead terns should be removed from beaches/lagoons and can be taken to the Hartenbos Animal Hospital for proper disposal.
• If birds showing any of the above-mentioned symptoms are found, please contact Carol Walton from SAPREC (082 364 3382) or the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) on 072 227 4715. All sick or dead birds will be reported to the state vet in George.

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