The authorities of Vietnam They are investigating the deaths of dozens of tigers and lions due to the H5N1 virus bird flu in two zoos in the south of the countrylocal media reported.
The deaths of the cats occurred between August and September at the My Quynh zoo in Long An province and at the Vuon Zoai zoo in Dong Nai province, near Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
The Department of Agricultural and Rural Development indicated on Wednesday that about 27 tigers and three lions killed in My Quynh andBetween the beginning of August and September 16, they tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
At least 20 tigers and a black panther died in Dong Nai Zoo in September, although the authorities have detected H5N1 so far in only two specimens, while they investigate the rest of the deceased felines.
Those responsible for the Dong Nai Zoo indicated that the cats stopped eating and became lethargic before dying within a couple of days, according to the VN Express media.
The authorities have not found any person infected and have closed the two zoos until they can confirm that there is no risk of more infections..
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of an increase in avian flu infections among mammals since 2022 due to this virus that initially affected only birds.
In 2004, 147 tigers at a zoo in Thailand’s Chonburi province were euthanized after more than 100 tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Although less common, the virus also spreads between humans, causing illnesses ranging from a mild infection in the upper respiratory tract to more serious illnesses that can be fatal.
Between 2003 and November 2023, 880 human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) have been detected in 23 countries, with a total of 460 deaths, according to WHO data.