HANOI

A devastating report from state media reveals that 47 tigers, alongside three lions and a panther, have tragically died in zoos across southern Vietnam due to the virulent H5N1 bird flu virus.

This alarming outbreak took place during August and September at two private zoos: My Quynh Safari Park in Long An province and Vuon Xoai Zoo in Dong Nai, just outside Ho Chi Minh City.

Tests conducted by the National Centre for Animal Health Diagnosis confirmed that the animals succumbed to the H5N1 type A virus. As concerns escalate, both zoos have refrained from providing further comments when approached by the media.

Interestingly, the report indicates that zoo staff who interacted closely with the infected animals have not shown any respiratory symptoms, which raises questions about the transmission dynamics of this deadly virus.

Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), an NGO dedicated to wildlife conservation, highlighted a pressing issue: as of late 2023, there are approximately 385 tigers in captivity across Vietnam. Of this number, around 310 are housed in 16 privately owned facilities, while the remaining are in state-managed locations, painting a concerning picture of wildlife management in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about rising incidents of bird flu outbreaks among mammals, particularly noting the H5N1 virus since 2022. Infections caused by H5N1 can lead to a spectrum of symptoms in humans, varying from mild illness to severe, life-threatening conditions. Disturbingly, Vietnam reported a human fatality linked to the virus earlier this year in March.

This recent tragedy recalls the catastrophic events of 2004 when numerous tigers faced similar fates at what was then the world's largest breeding farm in Thailand—an unsettling reminder of the ongoing battle against zoonotic diseases.

As the world watches closely, the implications of this outbreak extend beyond the zoo walls, posing potential risks to both animal and human health. The urgency to monitor and control the spread of such viruses has never been more crucial. Stay tuned as we cover this evolving story further!