A serious outbreak of H5N1 bird flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or HPAI) has occurred in India, killing three tigers and a leopard at a zoo in Nagpur. This is the first time H5N1 has caused deaths in captive wild animals in India.
Here's a simplified explanation:
What is H5N1? A highly contagious virus that mainly affects birds (bird flu). It can also infect some mammals.
What happened in Nagpur? Three tigers and a leopard at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park died from H5N1.
Why is this significant? This is the first time H5N1 has killed captive wild animals in India.
Where did these animals come from? They were rescued from the wild in December 2024 because of conflicts with humans.
What did the tests show? Tests confirmed that three tigers and two leopards had the H5N1 virus. One male tiger tested negative.
What is being done?
A "red alert" has been issued for zoos across Maharashtra (the state where Nagpur is located).
The Wildlife Research and Training Centre (WRTC) has issued advice on how to stop the virus from spreading.
What are the biosecurity measures?
Preventing birds from getting to other animals (using nets and covers).
Strict hygiene practices (disinfecting shoes and equipment).
Not feeding raw poultry or unverified meat to carnivores.
Regularly checking animals for signs of illness.
Isolating sick animals and closing affected areas to the public.
Why is this a concern? H5N1 can spread to different animal species, and there is also a risk (though currently low) of it spreading to humans. This is why it's important to control the outbreak.
Key Facts:
H5N1 has infected over 500 bird species and at least 70 mammal species.
It has spread to wildlife and farm animals in many countries, including very cold areas like Antarctica.
The strain of H5N1 involved in this outbreak may be 2.3.4.4b.
The first cases of H5N1 in wild animals were reported in 2022.
What is the "One Health" approach? An approach that recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are connected. This outbreak highlights the need for this approach.
In simple terms: A dangerous strain of bird flu has killed several big cats at a zoo in India. This is the first time this has happened in India, and officials are taking steps to stop the virus from spreading further. This situation shows how important it is to protect both animal and human health