The Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City received information from the Veterinary Branch of Region VI about the record of a dead tiger testing positive for the A/H5N1 influenza virus at My Quynh Zoo (Long An) and a dead tiger of unknown cause at the Vuon Xoai tourist area (Dong Nai). At the same time, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City received a report from the Center for Disease Control of Long An province in document No. 1931/KSBT-BTN on the results of the investigation of people in close contact with animals infected with A/H5N1 influenza.
In Long An province, from August 2024 to September 16, 2024, at My Quynh Zoo, 30 tigers and lions died (27 tigers and 3 lions). Of these, 3 tigers were newly imported from Vuon Xoai Eco-tourism Company Limited (Dong Nai) on September 6, 2024, the remaining individuals originated from the zoo.
The Central Veterinary Diagnosis Center has issued Test Result Response Form No. 6460/CD-XN on the detection of avian influenza A/H5N1 virus in tiger specimens collected at the zoo on August 16, 2024.
In Dong Nai province, the Veterinary Branch of Region VI at the Vuon Xoai eco-tourism area reported that 11 Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris) and 1 black panther (Panthera pardus) had died. Officers from the Bien Hoa City Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station conducted clinical examinations and random autopsies on the 2 dead tigers, initially diagnosing that the 2 Bengal tigers died of suspected pneumonia. The results of the cause of death have not yet been released.
Human tests have shown that no close contacts have shown symptoms of respiratory infection. In Long An province, 3 My Quynh zoo staff members were found to have direct contact with the tiger, and in Dong Nai province, 30 people were found to have had contact with the tiger.
In response to the above incident, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City announced to coordinate with the Veterinary and Forestry sectors to limit the risk of infection to humans; Investigate and identify people in close contact to monitor their health, including staff directly caring for animals and related people; Communicate about avian influenza prevention in high-risk areas; Establish a monitoring team and report to competent authorities on the risk of A/H5N1 influenza in the area.
