The H5N1 avian influenza virus has caused the deaths of 47 tigers, three lions and a panther in Vietnamese zoos, raising new questions about the safety of captive animals.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus has killed 47 tigers, three lions and a panther in Vietnamese zoos.
According to The Guardian, citing the Vietnam News Agency, the tragic deaths occurred in August and September at My Quynh Safari Park and Vuon Xoai Zoo, located in Long An province and near Ho Chi Minh City.
The National Animal Health Diagnostic Center confirmed that the cause of death was the H5N1 influenza virus. None of the zoo workers who came into contact with the sick animals showed any symptoms of respiratory illness.
There were 385 tigers in captivity in Vietnam by the end of 2023, most of them kept in private farms and zoos, according to the non-governmental organization Vietnam Environmental Education.
Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a virus that infects birds and mammals, and in rare cases, humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
It was previously reported that 20 thousand chickens will be destroyed in Danish Zealand, where the bird flu outbreak was discovered.
Source: korrespondent
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