Dozens of tigers, lions, and a panther have tragically succumbed to suspected bird flu at zoos in Vietnam, causing alarm and concern among animal health experts. The devastating outbreak, which occurred between August and September, resulted in the deaths of 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther in two southern Vietnam zoos, as reported by state media.
The affected zoos identified in the reports are the My Quynh Safari Park in Duc Hoa District, Long An Province, and the Vuon Xoai Tourist Park in Biên Hoà City, Dong Nai. The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) revealed that at least 27 tigers and three lions perished at My Quynh Safari Park, while 20 tigers succumbed to the illness at Vuon Xoai zoo.
Prior to their deaths, the animals displayed signs of illness and fatigue, prompting concerns among zoo staff. Tests conducted by the National Centre for Animal Health Diagnosis confirmed the presence of the H5N1 type A virus among the animals, according to the VNA.
At the safari park in Long An Province, it was reported that three animal caregivers had close contact with the infected animals, while around 30 employees at Dong Nai were also in proximity to the affected animals, as outlined in the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Fortunately, none of the staff members have shown any respiratory symptoms, the VNA noted.
The H5N1 virus, commonly known as avian influenza or bird flu, is a type of influenza A virus found in birds and some mammals. The World Health Organisation has highlighted that a variant of the virus has led to considerable deaths among wild birds and poultry in various countries since 2020. While human transmission cases remain rare, infection can result in severe illness with a high mortality rate.
In a concerning development, Vietnam reported its first human case of the virus to the World Health Organisation in March 2024. The patient, a 21-year-old student involved in wild bird trapping, tragically succumbed to the virus. Similarly, in June, India confirmed its first human case of avian influenza H9N2 in five years, indicating a potential resurgence of the bird flu virus.
Efforts to contain and prevent the further spread of the virus are underway, with authorities at My Quynh Safari Park and the Vuon Xoai Tourist Park being contacted for further comments on the situation. The conservation community and wildlife experts are closely monitoring the situation, aiming to safeguard both animal and human health in the face of this concerning outbreak.