Chook flu seems to have devastated the large cats residing in two zoos in South Vietnam. Dozens of cats at these zoos have lately died from the virus, in line with state media experiences.
The cat’s dying was reported by Vietnam Information Company (VNA) on Wednesday and confirmed by authorities officers. The deaths occurred on the privately owned My Quynh Safari Park in Lengthy An Province and the Vuon Xoai Zoo in Dong Nai Province, close to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Though the present danger of human publicity to avian influenza seems to be low, the report is the most recent worrying instance of widespread unfold of avian influenza to mammals.
All through August and September, a minimum of 47 tigers, three lions and one panther had been thought to have died from chicken flu in these zoos. In line with the Vietnam Information Company, samples collected from two lifeless cats examined optimistic for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Officers consider the cats could have been contaminated by means of contaminated rooster and are at the moment working to hint the supply of the rooster.
Since 2022, H5N1 strains have begun to more and more unfold from birds to mammals. This 12 months particularly, H5N1 has turn into widespread amongst dairy cows and different livestock in america. To this point, there have been 15 cumulative human H5N1 circumstances in america since 2022, 4 cattle-related circumstances since April 2024, and one latest case with no clear supply of transmission. Nonetheless, well being officers are at the moment investigating whether or not a affected person in Missouri could have unfold the an infection to different shut contacts.
In line with VNA, no zoo workers had shut contact with the cats once they confirmed signs of respiratory infections. Well being officers within the U.S. and elsewhere say the general menace to the general public from H5N1 and different avian flu strains stays low, however these outbreaks stay regarding due to doable future eventualities.
The extra these viruses unfold from birds to mammals, the extra possible they’re to evolve into strains that may unfold simply between mammals, together with people. With unhealthy luck, the incorrect pressure may develop the fitting mixture of mutations, turning it right into a fast-spreading and lethal epidemic amongst people. Even exterior of this quick hazard, widespread outbreaks in wild or home animals can nonetheless trigger plenty of bother, as we are actually seeing with the US dairy cow outbreak
In Might, researchers reported discovering the H5N1 pressure circulating amongst birds visiting and residing in New York Metropolis. In June, Mexican well being officers reported the primary recognized human case and dying from one other avian influenza virus, H5N2. It is unlikely that any of those experiences or outbreaks will turn into main occasions, however given sufficient time, the worst-case situation may actually occur.
