A difficult week. The critically ill loggerhead from last Sunday did not survive, and a second neurologically symptomatic seal pup was euthanised following advice from Dr Hofmeyr. Most significantly, the seal pup handled on 11 March has tested positive for rabies — a stark reminder that all protocols must be rigorously maintained. The week also saw a penguin rescue and a concerning regional outbreak of avian flu.
⚠️ IMPORTANT — Rabies Confirmed: The seal pup received at HAH on 11 March has tested POSITIVE for rabies. All volunteers must ensure strict adherence to all handling protocols at all times. We cannot become complacent with any seal response.
Update — Loggerhead Turtle, Hartenbos River Mouth
📍 Location: Hartenbos River Mouth 📅 Date: Sunday 22 March (prior week) 👤 Responders: SMART volunteers / HAH
- The large loggerhead turtle rescued from the Hartenbos River mouth last Sunday received emergency treatment at HAH but died during the night. We are deeply saddened by this loss.
- The turtle has been frozen and will be collected by TCC for a detailed necropsy. While we cannot save every animal, it is hoped the findings will contribute to scientific knowledge and understanding.
🔬 Necropsy: Scheduled — TCC to collect. Results will be shared in due course.
Incident — Penguin Rescue, The Point
📍 Location: The Point 📅 Date: Tuesday 24 March 👤 Responders: Linda, Dez / SAPREC volunteer
- Surfers reported a forlorn penguin on the rocks at the Point. Linda and Dez were nearby and immediately responded, successfully rescuing the bird.
- A SAPREC volunteer collected the penguin from them promptly for further care.
- This rescue is a fine example of the cooperation between organisations working together for the greater good of our marine animals.
Alert — Avian Flu Outbreak
📍 Location: Regional 📅 Date: Week of 23 March 👤 Responders: SMART / SAPREC / Municipality
- Numerous calls have been received this week regarding injured or ailing marine birds in the area.
- Carol Walton of SAPREC has flagged a concerning outbreak of avian flu in the region. Affected birds must be treated off-site to protect the healthy birds at SAPREC’s facility.
- Deceased birds must be collected with strict attention to preventing contagion. The Municipality is actively assisting with the outbreak response.
- All protocols are being adhered to. Volunteers are reminded to exercise extreme caution when handling any marine birds at this time.
🦠 Biosecurity: Avian flu confirmed in the area. Do not handle sick or dead marine birds without proper PPE. Follow all SAPREC and SMART protocols.
Incident — CFS Pup with Neurological Symptoms, Hartenbos
📍 Location: Hartenbos 📅 Date: Wednesday 25 March 👤 Responders: Annelize, Ursula
- A seal pup exhibiting strange behaviour was reported at Hartenbos. Annelize and Ursula responded and the pup was taken to HAH.
- The pup continued attacking a blanket and displayed clear neurological symptoms consistent with previous cases this season.
- Following careful consideration and advice from Dr Hofmeyr, the pup was humanely euthanised. Samples will be submitted to the State Vet for testing.
⚠️ Protocol Reminder: With rabies now confirmed in a seal handled on 11 March, all responders must maintain full vigilance. No complacency. All handling protocols must be strictly followed for every seal response.
Till next week — keep well and stay safe. 🐾