In a tragic incident, forty-seven tigers, three lions, and a panther died from the H5N1 bird flu virus in zoos in southern Vietnam, official media said on Wednesday. Tigers and Lions were found dead in Vietnam, and the deaths occurred between August and September at two locations: My Quynh Safari Park in Long An province and the Vuon Xoai Zoo in Dong Nai, near Ho Chi Minh City. According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), tests from the National Centre for Animal Health Diagnosis verified that the animals perished as a result of the H5N1 type A virus.

Fortunately, according to the VNA, no zoo employees who came into close contact with diseased animals reported respiratory issues. Education for Nature Vietnam, a non-governmental organisation committed to wildlife conservation, stated that Tigers and Lions were found dead in Vietnam, and by the end of 2023, there were 385 tigers in captivity throughout Vietnam. About 310 are kept in private facilities, such as farms and zoos, with the balance housed in state-run organisations.

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Global Concerns about H5N1 Outbreaks

Since 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed increased concern over the number of influenza virus epidemics in mammals, notably H5N1. In humans, H5N1 infections can be moderate to severe and, in some circumstances, fatal. Vietnam earlier reported human mortality from the virus in March 2024. This showed the possible risk of cross-species transmission and the importance of thorough monitoring and prevention measures.

Historically, H5N1 outbreaks have resulted in considerable animal losses. In 2004, the bird flu virus killed or culled scores of tigers at one of the world’s largest tiger breeding farms in Thailand. The United States has likewise encountered its share of obstacles. According to the USDA, avian flu was found in approximately 200 dairy cattle across 14 states in 2024. Bird flu has also been detected in commercial and backyard flocks and wild birds, indicating that the virus is widespread.

Human Cases and Ongoing Surveillance

Last month, health officials in Missouri reported an unusual instance in which a patient was hospitalised with bird flu despite having no known contact with the animals involved in the outbreak. This is the 14th incidence of bird flu infection in people in the United States since March 2024, when the virus was found in cattle after infecting wild birds and mammals worldwide. In response to these developments, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) increased its monitoring efforts, employing flu surveillance systems to track bird flu activity in humans. This situation emphasises the importance of extensive Surveillance and preventative methods to limit the virus’s spread and safeguard wildlife and humans.

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