CHIANG MAI, Thailand — At least 72 captive tigers have died this month in northern Thailand following a suspected outbreak of a highly contagious virus, prompting urgent containment measures by animal health authorities.
According to a statement from the government’s Region 5 Livestock Office in Chiang Mai, laboratory findings indicate the animals were infected with canine distemper virus, with veterinarians also identifying mycoplasma bacteria as a secondary infection.
However, earlier reports cited a different possible cause. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director general of Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development under the Ministry of Agriculture, told Thai outlet Matichon that the tigers had been infected with feline panleukopenia, creating some uncertainty over the exact cause of death.
“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,” Somchuan said.
The outbreak has affected two districts in Chiang Mai province, Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, both known for their mountainous terrain. Media reports said dozens of tigers began showing signs of illness as early as February 8.
In response, teams have begun disinfecting enclosures and preparing vaccination efforts for surviving animals in a bid to prevent further spread of the disease.
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction that allows visitors to interact closely with the animals, has temporarily closed following the deaths. The facility could not immediately be reached for comment.
Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of the wildlife conservation office in Chiang Mai, described the number of fatalities as “very unusual,” according to Thai media.
The incident echoes past outbreaks in the region. Between August and October 2024, 47 tigers and three leopards in southern Vietnam died after contracting bird flu. In October 2004, an avian influenza outbreak at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi province led to the deaths or euthanization of 147 out of 441 tigers, with contaminated chicken carcasses identified as the likely source of infection.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise cause of the latest outbreak while working to stabilize the situation and safeguard remaining wildlife.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
