In a shocking incident, three tigers (one male and two females) and one female leopard have succumbed to the H5N1 Avian Influenza (AI) virus at the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The Government of India issued a red alert on January 3, 2025, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Zoo Authority, urging all zoos and rescue centers in the state to strengthen their AI prevention measures.
Veterinarians at Gorewada’s Wildlife Research and Training Centre have outlined critical bio-security protocols to prevent access of birds to animal enclosures, utilizing nets and covers. They are also conducting routine sampling of nearby avian populations and closely monitoring the animals for any unusual symptoms indicative of the virus.
Government statistics reveal that 628 tigers have died in India over the past five years.
The advisory notes that H5N1 was detected at the Gorewada facility in December 2024, with the investigation confirming the cause of death for the animals. The primary goal is to mitigate the risk of AI transmission, enable early detection, contain any outbreaks rapidly, and protect both staff and other animals.
Shatanik Bhagwat, Divisional Manager of the Gorewada Project, stated that the infected animals began showing symptoms ten days ago and died in the last week of December 2024. Samples sent to a national research institute confirmed the presence of H5N1 on January 3, 2025. All samples were collected post-mortem.
The tigers and leopard were rescued from a human-wildlife conflict incident in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, in December. In the days following their arrival, they exhibited various symptoms, including limping, diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory issues.
“At first glance, the symptoms can be mistaken for common ailments, making it difficult to identify AI,” Mr. Bhagwat explained. “While H5N1 is a lethal strain, other variants may allow for recovery with timely intervention.” Unfortunately, early detection does not significantly increase survival rates for H5N1-infected animals.
The Gorewada Rescue Centre, housing 12 tigers and 24 leopards, has implemented stringent safety measures to prevent further contamination. Since AI primarily affects birds, certain strains like H5N1 can infect mammals—including tigers and leopards—via contact with contaminated environments. Feeding carnivorous animals raw poultry or unverified meat products is strongly discouraged.
“We have carried out thorough disinfection of all big cat enclosures and are implementing daily sanitation procedures across the facility,” Mr. Bhagwat stated. Staff involved in animal care are equipped with appropriate protective gear and are monitored for flu-like symptoms without any current health issues reported among the animals or staff.
The Gorewada Rescue Centre is strategically located one kilometer away from the Gorewada International Zoo, allowing for coordinated safety measures. An official memorandum from the Central Zoo Authority has mandated that all zoos in Maharashtra adhere to the National Action Plan on “Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza,” emphasizing the need for enhanced bio-security measures.
The notification further underscores the highly contagious nature of the H5N1 virus and urges zoos to remain vigilant for any signs of infection among their animals, affirming that bio-security measures must be evaluated and strengthened accordingly.
Published – January 05, 2025 03:08 pm IST
