Thai Authorities Confirm Virus Killed 72 Tigers in Tourist Parks
Officials in Thailand have stated that the deaths of 72 tigers in two tourist parks were caused by a virus that poses no known threat to human health. The tigers perished at parks in Mae Taeng and Mae Rim, located in Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand, between February 8 and 18, 2026. Initial fears of a bird flu outbreak were dismissed by authorities, who attributed the fatalities to canine distemper virus (CDV), a pathogen not recognized for affecting humans.
Veterinarian Raises Concerns Over Infection Origins
Despite official reassurances, veterinarian Visit Arsaithamkul, who participated in the analysis of the deceased tigers, has expressed significant concern. He emphasized that the origins of the infections remain ambiguous without further investigation. In a Facebook post, Arsaithamkul speculated that since the two parks are situated just 18 miles apart, the source of the infection might be linked to food supplied from a common provider. However, he declined to provide additional details when contacted by The Associated Press.
Public health officials have been actively monitoring individuals who recently had contact with the animals, though no symptoms have been reported thus far. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat affirmed at a news conference in Bangkok that there have been no cases of animal-to-human transmission. Monthien Khanasawat, director-general of the Disease Control Department, outlined preparedness measures, including contact tracing and treatment, should any illnesses emerge.
Parks Remain Closed Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
Both affected parks, operating under the Tiger Kingdom brand, have been closed indefinitely. The operators have not issued any immediate comments in response to inquiries. The incident occurs against a backdrop of resurgent bird flu in parts of Asia, with Thailand having recorded 17 deaths from poultry-related influenza between 2004 and 2007, according to the Public Health Ministry.
Canine distemper virus, infectious to both dogs and felines, can induce severe symptoms in cats and tigers, spreading through bodily fluids and airborne transmission. Thai authorities noted that tigers in confined environments are particularly susceptible to such viral infections, especially when exacerbated by stress and inbreeding conditions.
Disposal and Preventive Measures Implemented
The remains of the tigers were cremated and buried following strict protocols. Livestock Development Department director-general Somchuan Rattanamangklanan detailed that the carcasses were disinfected, photographed, and discarded to prevent any potential misuse. This precautionary step aims to mitigate any risk of further spread or exploitation.
Monthien Khanasawat also urged Thai citizens to exercise caution regarding poultry consumption, referencing an unnamed neighboring country where a man was infected with bird flu. The first documented animal-to-human transmission of bird flu occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, preceding a pandemic in Asia in 2003.
This tragic event underscores the vulnerabilities of wildlife in captive settings and highlights the ongoing need for vigilant health monitoring and transparent investigative processes to safeguard both animal and public health.
