Big cats at risk of bird flu

Big cats at risk of bird flu

Source: scenta

UNEP were significantly concerned about countries such as Vietnam  

that have an abundance of wild species as well as a massive poultry  

industry that has been affected by avian flu outbreaks.

“A far wider range of species, including rare and endangered ones,  

may be affected by highly virulent avian flu than has previously been  

supposed,” a UNEP statement read.

The statement detailed expert thinking at the Convention on  

Biological Diversity (CBD) conference in Brazil.

“There is growing evidence that the H5N1 virus can infect and harm  

big cats like leopards and tigers, small cats such as civets and  

other mammals like martens, weasels, badgers and otters," the experts  

cautioned.

The H5N1 strain of avian flu has so far killed over 100 people and  

has already reached Africa, Europe and Asia with startling speed.

So far, 200 million birds have been culled across the world.

In Germany, infections in cats, a dog and a weasel-like mammal known  

as marten have been reported.

Two tigers and two leopards fed on fresh chicken carcasses died  

suddenly in a Thai zoo in December 2003.

Post-mortem analysis identified the H5N1 virus in tissue samples.

UNEP also expressed concerns for poor people in rural areas turning  

to wildlife for protein if poultry culls continue.

The statement said: “Culling of poultry, especially in developing  

countries where chicken is a key source of protein, may lead to local  

people turning to 'bushmeat' as an alternative.”

“This may put new and unacceptable pressure on a wide range of wild  

living creatures from wild pigs up to endangered species like  

chimpanzees, gorillas and other great apes.”

Drastic measures, such as culling wild birds or draining wetlands,  

had to be avoided, UNEP warned.

The statement also highlighted that bird species such as members of  

the crow and vulture families were especially at risk.

Source: scenta

Date Published: March 23, 2006

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For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

an Educational Sanctuary home

to more than 100 big cats

12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL  33625

813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition here:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/344896451?ltl=1140270431