According to state media, a bird flu outbreak has led to the deaths of dozens of tigers in zoos in southern Vietnam.
Since August, the virus has reportedly killed 47 tigers, along with three lions and a panther. The outbreak occurred at the Vuon Xoai Zoo near Ho Chi Minh City and the My Quynh Safari Park in Long An province.
An official informed media news agency that the animals likely contracted the disease after being fed meat from chickens infected with the virus. The Vietnamese Ministry of Health confirmed that two samples taken from deceased tigers tested positive for bird flu, and authorities are now investigating the source of the contaminated chicken.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against consuming raw or undercooked meat and eggs from areas experiencing bird flu outbreaks due to the heightened risk of infection. The H5N1 strain primarily affects animals, and most human infections are linked to direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
Since 2022, there has been a rise in reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals caused by influenza viruses, including H5N1. Globally, nearly 900 human infections have been reported since 2003, with more than half proving fatal.
Despite the virus primarily affecting animals, experts are concerned about the potential for it to jump to humans, especially with increasing cases among mammals. The World Health Organization has warned that while human-to-human transmission of H5N1 remains rare, mutations could lead to a strain that poses a more significant risk to human health.
Vietnamese authorities are ramping up biosecurity measures at zoos and wildlife parks to contain the outbreak. Additionally, health officials are closely monitoring other animals at the affected facilities and conducting tests to ensure the virus hasn’t spread further.
Neighboring countries are also on alert due to the proximity of the outbreak, and some have initiated precautionary measures, including restrictions on the import of animals from affected regions. As the situation develops, the Vietnamese government is expected to update its response strategy to mitigate the risks and prevent similar incidents in the future.
