Deadly Bird Flu Outbreak Claims Lives of Tigers and Other Mammals in Vietnam
A devastating bird flu epidemic has swept through zoos in southern Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 big cats, including 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther. This alarming outbreak, primarily attributed to the H5N1 strain of the virus, has raised significant concerns among wildlife and public health officials. The fatalities occurred in August and September at the Vuon Xoai zoo near Ho Chi Minh City and the My Quynh safari park in Long An province.
According to reports from Vietnamese media, including the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and BBC, blood samples from the deceased animals confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus. The Ministry of Health is currently investigating the source of the infection, with particular attention on the origin of the poultry that may have introduced the virus to these mammals.
The H5N1 virus, which has predominantly affected birds since its emergence in 1996, has recently shown a troubling trend of infecting mammals. The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously warned about the increasing incidence of avian flu in mammals, highlighting a significant public health risk. In a similar incident in 2004, Thailand faced a bird flu outbreak that led to the death of numerous tigers or their culling.
While human infections from H5N1 remain rare, they can be fatal. Notably, Vietnam reported a human death from bird flu in March, and a recent case in Missouri, USA, marked the first human infection in that state. As the virus continues to spread among various species, authorities are on high alert to prevent further outbreaks and protect both wildlife and human populations.
