Avian Flu Kills Captive Wildlife in India

In late December 2024, three tigers and a leopard died from the H5N1 avian influenza virus at the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking the first significant instance of the virus impacting captive wildlife in India. The animals were relocated from Chandrapur following human-wildlife conflict and began showing symptoms such as limping and fever shortly after. The ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal confirmed the presence of the virus in early January 2025, leading to a red alert across Maharashtra's zoos and wildlife centers. Containment measures, including disinfection and staff precautions, were implemented, and additional testing found 26 leopards and 12 tigers at the same facility to be healthy. Authorities are investigating the source of the infection, suspecting it may result from consumption of contaminated meat. The incident has prompted nationwide advisories for zoos to monitor and prevent potential outbreaks of the highly contagious virus.