Authorities in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam have decided to destroy 20 tigers and one leopard which died of the A/H5N1 avian influenza.

The decision was passed at a meeting held on Thursday where the provincial Department of Animal Health, the Center for Disease Control, forest rangers, police officers, and local officials discussed measures to handle the deceased animals at Mango Garden Resort in Bien Hoa City and to prevent the spread of the bird flu.

An official from the Animal Health Department reported the testing results at the meeting, confirming that samples taken from two tigers at the tourist site tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu virus.

These agencies agreed that the 20 tigers and one leopard will be destroyed on the spot at the tourist site, under the supervision of relevant authorities.

An interdisciplinary task force asked the operator of Mango Garden Resort to keep monitoring the health of the remaining animals, isolate sick animals from healthy ones, and maintain strict daily disinfection procedures.

Human access to high-risk areas must be restricted during the disease control process.

Employees must wear full protective gear, while those who have had close contact with the infected animals must undergo health monitoring.

Home to 42 tigers and two leopards, Mango Garden Resort initially imported 12 tigers from South Africa, and the population increased over time through breeding.

On September 8, four tigers and one leopard died unexpectedly. 

Over the following days, more tigers succumbed to illness.

So far, 20 tigers and one leopard have died after developing several symptoms like loss of appetite, fever, and difficulty moving.

Apart from Dong Nai, My Quynh Safari Park in Duc Hoa District, Long An Province reported the deaths of 27 tigers and three lions between August and September 16. 

Among these tigers, three were transported from Mango Garden Resort on September 6, while the rest originated from the safari park.

They tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

Overall, 51 tigers, leopards, and lions have died from avian flu in these two southern provinces, with the sources of infection remaining elusive.

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