A deadly strain of avian flu, H5N1, has claimed the lives of three tigers and a leopard at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur. The animals, rescued from Chandrapur in December, have become the first wildlife casualties of this virus in India. In response to the outbreak, authorities in Maharashtra have issued a red alert for all zoos in the state, suspended animal transfers, and enhanced biosecurity measures.
Testing by the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) confirmed the presence of the virus in the deceased animals. This incident highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and protective measures against H5N1 in wildlife.
Zoos put on alert as #AvianFlu kills 3 tigers, 1 leopard at a rescue centre in #Nagpur @shwetaa_verma brings in more info | @NivedhanaPrabhu pic.twitter.com/sOlC19SbbZ
— Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) January 6, 2025
A circular issued by the Union Ministry on January 3 has further emphasised the seriousness of the situation. All zoos and wildlife rescue centers across India have been placed on high alert, with continuous monitoring to identify and isolate any affected animals. Efforts are being made to quarantine infected wildlife and relocate them to specialised centers to prevent further spread.
The virus, which has impacted hundreds of species globally, continues to pose a significant threat. Despite proactive measures being taken, it is unfortunate that three tigers and one leopard have already succumbed to the disease.
