Wave of deaths in zoos: bird flu causes tiger deaths
Vietnam - Dozens of zoo tigers have died in Vietnam as a result of an avian flu infection. Three lions and a panther were also affected.
According to the state media VNExpress, a keeper at Vuon Xoai Zoo said that the animals were fed raw chicken meat, as reported by"AP".
One panther was affected as well as 20 tigers, including cubs. "The tigers died so quickly. They looked weak, refused to eat and died two days after they fell ill," explained zoo director Nguyen Ba Phuc.
Samples subsequently taken tested positive for the bird flu pathogen "H5N1". More than 20 other animals were isolated for observation. The 30 employees who had contact with the animals tested negative.
A similar incident occurred at another zoo in September. There, 27 tigers and three lions died within a week as a result of the disease.
PETA warns of the dangers of keeping wild animals
"The deaths of 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther at My Quynh Safari and Vuon Xoai Zoo amid Vietnam's bird flu outbreak is tragic and highlights the risks associated with keeping wild animals in captivity," said PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker, in a statement to AP.
Avian influenza has already been detected in a variety of animals, including dogs and cats, as well as sea lions and polar bears. Scientists have found that infection in cats attacks the brain and damages blood vessels.
"The exploitation of wild animals also endangers human health worldwide, as it increases the likelihood of another pandemic," warns Baker.
The virus has already caused hundreds of deaths in humans around the world. The greatest risk of infection is through direct contact with infected birds.