Officials in northern Thailand are working urgently to control a disease outbreak that has killed 72 captive tigers in Chiang Mai this month.
The animals, housed in facilities across the region, began showing symptoms earlier in February. Authorities have since launched emergency measures, including disinfecting enclosures and preparing vaccinations for the remaining tigers.
While the precise cause of death remains under review, a statement from the Chiang Mai Region 5 Livestock Office said the tigers were infected with canine distemper virus, with mycoplasma bacteria identified as a secondary infection. However, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development under Thailand’s agriculture ministry, previously told local media outlet Matichon that the animals had contracted feline panleukopenia.
He noted that diagnosing and treating tigers is far more complex than caring for domestic pets. “Dogs and cats live closely with humans, so when symptoms appear, treatment can begin immediately. Tigers do not. By the time signs of illness are detected, the disease may already be severe,” he said.
The outbreak has impacted facilities in two Chiang Mai districts — Mae Rim and Mae Taeng — both known for their mountainous terrain. Reports indicate that dozens of tigers first fell ill on 8 February.
Following the deaths, Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai — a well-known tourist destination where visitors can interact closely with tigers — has temporarily shut its doors.
Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of Chiang Mai’s wildlife conservation office, described the scale of the deaths as highly unusual.
Similar incidents have occurred in the region in recent years. Between August and October 2024, 47 tigers and three leopards died in southern Vietnam after contracting bird flu. In October 2004, an avian influenza outbreak at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand, led to the deaths or euthanasia of 147 out of 441 tigers, with contaminated chicken carcasses believed to be the source of infection.
Authorities are continuing efforts to prevent the virus from spreading further while investigations into the outbreak remain ongoing.
Source: The Guardian