In southern Vietnam, dozens of tigers and lions held in captivity have died over the past month from an avian flu infection, specifically the H5N1 strain, the country’s health ministry announced on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
Tests on two samples from tigers that died at Mango Garden Resort, a tourist complex in Dong Nai province, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus. About 20 tigers have died at this resort since the start of last month. Additionally, in neighboring Long An province, veterinary authorities reported that 27 tigers and three lions died from avian flu at My Quynh Safari, another tourist complex. These deaths occurred between September 6 and 18.
Phan Van Phuc, an official from the regional disease control center in Dong Nai, said the tigers at Mango Garden Resort had been fed chicken meat before they died, likely infected with the virus. Authorities are investigating the chicken supply chain to determine the exact cause.
Health Risks for Humans
The World Health Organization advises against consuming raw or undercooked poultry, especially in areas where avian flu outbreaks are present. The spread of highly pathogenic avian flu to mammals, including tigers, cows, dogs, cats, dolphins, and penguins, has raised concerns that the virus could mutate and become easily transmissible between humans.
So far, researchers have identified very few cases of human-to-human transmission of avian flu. However, authorities remain alert, as outbreaks caused by viruses that primarily transmit from animals to humans are generally easier to control and don’t require the strict quarantine measures seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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