In August and September, forty-seven tigers, three lions, and a panther died in two zoos in southern Vietnam due to the H5N1 bird flu virus. The outbreaks occurred at the My Quynh safari park in Long An province and the Vuon Xoai zoo in Dong Nai, near Ho Chi Minh City, according to reports from state media.
The deaths were confirmed to be caused by the H5N1 type A virus after testing by the National Centre for Animal Health Diagnosis. Zoo officials have not commented on the situation. Fortunately, none of the staff members who had been in close contact with the animals showed any signs of respiratory symptoms.
Vietnam is home to hundreds of tigers in captivity, with most being housed in privately owned farms and zoos. The World Health Organization has reported an increase in outbreaks of bird flu among mammals since 2022, raising concerns about the potential spread to humans. Though H5N1 can cause mild to severe illness in people, some infections can be fatal.
Earlier this year, Vietnam reported a human fatality linked to the virus, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by bird flu globally. Similar outbreaks have been seen around the world, including in Thailand and the U.S., where the virus has affected various animal populations. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
