Tigers and lions die in large numbers
According to the report of the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Aquatic Branch of Long An province, from the beginning of August to September 16, at My Quynh Zoo (Tan My commune, Duc Hoa district), 27 tigers and 3 lions died. Recently, through test results, the tiger sample taken on August 16 at My Quynh Zoo Joint Stock Company tested positive for the A/H5N1 influenza virus.
In mid-August 2024, the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Aquatic Branch coordinated with the authorities to inspect and work at My Quynh Zoo. At the time of inspection, the total number of tigers and lions at the zoo was 41 tigers and 11 lions. Of these, 18 tigers (15 golden tigers, 03 white tigers) and 3 lions were dead.
According to the zoo's animal autopsy report, the tigers and lions died from August 11 to August 16. The zoo representative also reported on the origin and main food for the tigers and lions and took samples to determine the cause of death of the tigers and lions.
On September 6, My Quynh Zoo continued to import 9 golden tigers from Vuon Xoai Eco-tourism Company Limited (Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province) to quarantine at My Quynh Zoo (without a Certificate of Animal Quarantine for transport out of the province of Dong Nai Province). However, from September 6 to September 16, more tigers at the zoo continued to die.
From the beginning of August 2024 to September 16, 2024, the total number of tigers and lions that died at My Quynh Zoo was 30; including 27 tigers and 3 lions. Through identification, of these, 24 tigers and 3 lions died from My Quynh Zoo; 3 tigers died from newly imported from Vuon Xoai Eco-tourism Company Limited.
According to the owner of My Quynh Zoo, in addition to the tigers and lions that died of disease, other species kept in the zoo are currently normal. Based on that, the inspection team coordinated with the zoo to take samples of the organs of the dead tiger on August 16 and send them to the Central Veterinary Diagnosis Center and the Department of Animal Health for testing.
On September 11, 2024, the Central Veterinary Diagnosis Center, Department of Animal Health announced that the test results of the tiger sample taken on August 16, at My Quynh Zoo Joint Stock Company, were positive for the A/H5N1 influenza virus.
Recommended not to open for visitors
According to Ms. Le Thi Mai Khanh - Manager of Long An Province's Veterinary and Aquatic Branch, the Branch has informed the test results to My Quynh Zoo and related parties. On the other hand, the Branch has instructed the zoo to implement disease prevention measures according to regulations. The Branch also requested the zoo to notify the Forestry Branch and the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Aquatic Branch when another tiger dies of illness, and continue to coordinate in taking samples to determine the cause of newly imported tigers.
Based on the test results, the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Aquatic Branch recommends that My Quynh Zoo Joint Stock Company continue to monitor the remaining tigers in the herd, isolate sick animals, and organize the destruction of sick and dead tigers according to regulations. Conduct daily disinfection and sterilization; do not import or export animals to or from the entire breeding area containing sick or dead tigers and lions. Organize A/H5N1 influenza vaccination for other animals that are susceptible to infection in the zoo. Limit contact, caretakers need to be protected, and recommend that the zoo not open to visitors until the epidemic is over.
The Long An Province Veterinary and Aquatic Branch also recommended that the locality direct the review and statistics of the total poultry herd in the area to continue to effectively implement the second phase of free avian influenza vaccination plan in 2024 in Duc Hoa district (especially Tan My commune, where My Quynh Zoo is located). Thereby, increasing information and propaganda about the epidemic situation so that farmers can understand and proactively implement disease prevention and control measures.
My Quynh Zoo covers an area of 50 hectares, including many isolated areas for raising semi-wild tigers. Located in the area bordering Ho Chi Minh City and Long An, this zoo has become a tourist attraction for wild and semi-wild animals, a water park, a resort, etc., attracting a large number of visitors from inside and outside the province.
