Avian Influenza & Aggressive Seals - Kom Update

🚨 COMMUNITY NOTICE: PLEASE KEEP DOGS LEASHED ON THE BEACH 🚨

We’re currently facing two significant wildlife health risks along our coastline — Avian Influenza and rabid/aggressive seals — and together they create an increased safety concern for residents, pets, and wildlife. We have received reports of Avian Influenza along our coastline, and the current strain is known to infect humans. As a precaution, residents are advised to keep dogs away from dead or sick birds and keep dogs leashed on the beach. Infected birds may be found dead or may show signs of brain damage, causing abnormal behaviour, such as being unnaturally tame.

In addition, an aggressive seal incident occurred yesterday on Longbeach. Although Rabies is not yet confirmed, it is suspected. There have been a number of confirmed cases of seal rabies on Longbeach since the outbreak was announced in 2023. Dogs are particularly at risk of an encounter with rabid or aggressive seals.

The combination of risks from Avian Flu and Rabies risks means extra caution is warranted on Longbeach. For your safety — and the safety of our pets and wildlife — please:

•⁠ ⁠Leash dogs on all beaches and coastal paths

•⁠ ⁠Do not allow dogs to approach or sniff dead birds or marine mammals

•⁠ ⁠Avoid touching dead or distressed animals yourself and maintain a safe distance from beached seals.

To report sick or dead birds contact the SANCCOB Whats App helpline 078 638 3731.

For seals contact:

Cape of Good Hope SPCA (24/7) on either 021 700 4158 / 4159

After-hours/Weekends/Public Holidays: 083 326 1604

City of Cape Town Authorities: 021 480 7700

When reporting suspected bird or seal cases please provide a precise location (preferably a pin location) and a photo or video of the animal if possible.

Keep these numbers saved in your phone to make reporting easier!

For more info see:

https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2025/avian-influenza-detected-in-western-cape-public-urged-to-stay-alert-not-alarmed KRRA will update residents as more information becomes available.

Thank you for helping keep Kommetjie safe. 🌊🐾