Chicken flu seems to have devastated massive cats dwelling at two zoos in South Vietnam. Dozens of cats in these zoos died just lately after contracting the viral an infection, based on state-owned media experiences.

On Wednesday, the Vietnam Information Company (VNA) reported the cat deaths, which had been confirmed by authorities officers. The deaths came about on the privately-owned My Quynh safari park in Lengthy An province and the Vuon Xoai zoo in Dong Nai, close to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Although the hazard of publicity to people seems to be low in the intervening time, the report is the newest worrying occasion of widespread chicken flu transmission to mammals.

No less than 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther at these zoos are thought to have died from the chicken flu all through August and September. Based on the VNA, samples obtained from two lifeless cats examined optimistic for a pressure of H5N1 avian influenza. Officers imagine that the cats could have contracted the an infection by way of contaminated hen meat, and they’re at present making an attempt to trace the supply of the hen.

Since 2022, H5N1 strains have more and more began to unfold from birds to mammals. This yr specifically, H5N1 has unfold broadly amongst dairy cattle and different livestock in america. Thus far, there have been 15 complete human instances of H5N1 within the U.S. since 2022, 4 instances tied to cattle since April 2024, and one latest case with no clear supply of transmission. Nevertheless, well being officers are actually investigating whether or not a affected person in Missouri could have probably unfold their an infection to different shut contacts.

Based on VNA, no zoo employees had been in shut contact with the cats whereas they had been exhibiting signs of a respiratory an infection. Well being officers within the U.S. and elsewhere say that the overall menace to the general public from H5N1 and different chicken flu strains continues to be low, however these outbreaks stay regarding due to what might occur sooner or later.

The extra these viruses unfold from birds to mammals, the extra possible that they may evolve into strains that may simply unfold between mammals generally, together with people. And with sufficient unhealthy luck, the fallacious pressure might decide up the appropriate mixture of mutations that may flip it right into a fast-spreading, lethal pandemic in people. Even outdoors of this direct hazard, widespread outbreaks amongst wildlife or domesticated animals might nonetheless trigger loads of bother, as we’re now seeing with the dairy cattle outbreaks within the U.S.

In Could, researchers reported discovering strains of H5N1 circulating amongst birds visiting and dwelling in New York Metropolis. And in June, well being officers in Mexico reported the primary recognized human case and demise from a special chicken flu virus, H5N2. Any single one among these experiences or outbreaks is unlikely to be the large one, however given sufficient time, the worst case state of affairs might actually occur.