Breeding center pandas killed by disease
Print Edition
TWO giant pandas have died from canine distemper at a breeding facility in northwest China.
Four female bears at a wildlife rescue, breeding and research center in Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province, were diagnosed as having the disease in early December, said Han Xueli, an official with the center.
On December 9, 8-year-old Cheng Cheng succumbed to the illness, while 8-year-old Da Bao lost her fight for life yesterday, Xinhua news agency reported.
The two other bears — identified as 5-year-old Feng Feng, who is said to be in a serious condition, and 14-year-old Zhu Zhu who is stable — have been quarantined, Xinhua said.
Han said that as well as the four confirmed cases of infection, three other bears that have shown some of the symptoms of the disease have also been put under close watch.
“All of the sick pandas have been isolated while they undergo treatment,” Han said
The center’s remaining 18 giant pandas have been transferred to temporary homes in other reserves across the province in a bid to prevent further outbreaks, he said.
The sick bears are being monitored by more than 30 experts from across the country, several of whom are trying to determine the outbreak’s origin, Han said.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted between wild and domesticated animals, including dogs, cats and primates.
It affects the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, as well as the spinal cord and brain. Its symptoms include a high fever, inflamed eyes, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
A total of 25 giant pandas live at the Shaanxi facility in the Qinling Mountains, which is the world’s third-largest breeding center for the bears. Since opening it has produced 17 cubs.
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