Virus Outbreak Kills 72 Captive Tigers in Thailand, Officials Scramble to Contain Spread
A highly contagious virus is believed to have caused the deaths of 72 captive tigers in northern Thailand this month, with officials racing to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities. The incident has shocked wildlife conservationists and raised urgent questions about animal health management in captive settings.
Urgent Response and Disinfection Efforts
Teams are urgently disinfecting enclosures and preparing to vaccinate surviving animals at affected facilities. The exact cause of death remains under investigation, though preliminary reports point to viral infections. A statement by the government’s region 5 livestock office for Chiang Mai confirmed the animals had been infected with canine distemper virus, with veterinarians also identifying mycoplasma bacteria as a secondary infection.
However, conflicting information emerged when Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director general of the department of livestock development within the Thai agricultural ministry, told the Thai outlet Matichon that the tigers had been infected with feline panleukopenia. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of diagnosing wildlife diseases.
Challenges in Treating Wild Animals
Somchuan Ratanamungklanon emphasized the unique challenges in treating sick tigers compared to domestic pets. "Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats. Dogs and cats live closely with us, so when they show symptoms, we can respond and provide treatment right away. Tigers, however, aren’t living closely with humans. By the time we notice that something is wrong, the illness may already be advanced," he explained.
This delayed detection likely contributed to the high mortality rate, as dozens of tigers first began showing signs of illness on February 8th, according to media reports.
Outbreak Location and Impact
The outbreak has affected two districts of Chiang Mai: the mountainous regions of Mae Rim and Mae Taeng. Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction that allows visitors to "hug, touch, and take photos up close with tigers," has been temporarily closed since the deaths.
Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of the wildlife conservation office in Chiang Mai, told Thai media the number of deaths recorded was "very unusual" and warrants thorough investigation.
Historical Context of Tiger Deaths
This is not the first major outbreak affecting captive tigers in Southeast Asia. In other instances:
- Between August and October 2024, 47 tigers died along with three leopards in south Vietnam after catching bird flu.
- In October 2004, an outbreak of bird flu spread in Sriracha tiger zoo in Chonburi province in eastern Thailand, resulting in 147 of the zoo's 441 tigers dying or being euthanized to prevent possible spread to other animals. Fresh chicken carcasses fed to the animals were identified as the most likely source of infection.
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the current outbreak and their response measures. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation and the need for enhanced disease surveillance in captive animal populations.
