State media reports indicate that many tigers have succumbed to a bird flu outbreak in zoos across southern Vietnam.
Since August, reports indicate that three lions and a panther, in addition to 47 tigers, have succumbed to the virus.
The H5N1 outbreak has impacted the Vuon Xoai Zoo near Ho Chi Minh City and the My Quynh Safari Park in the adjacent Long An province.
A spokesperson for the agency informed Reuters that the animals probably became ill after consuming meat from infected chickens.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has reported that two samples collected from deceased tigers have tested positive for bird flu. Officials are currently investigating the chicken’s source to ascertain the outbreak’s cause.
The zoos did not comment when approached by the AFP news agency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about consuming raw or undercooked meat and eggs sourced from areas affected by bird flu outbreaks, highlighting the significant risk of infection associated with such practices.
The H5N1 strain of the virus predominantly affects animals. The World Health Organization reports that nearly all instances of human infection stem from direct contact with infected live or deceased birds or from exposure to contaminated environments.
Since 2022, reports regarding lethal outbreaks among mammals attributed to influenza viruses, notably H5N1, have surged.
Since 2003, nearly 900 cases of human infections have been documented, with over half resulting in fatalities.
