Thailand authorities scramble as virus outbreak kills 72 tigers

Thai authorities are working to contain a virus outbreak that has killed 72 captive tigers in the northern provinces, officials said, with the outbreak primarily affecting the Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts of Chiang Mai.

The first signs of illness among the animals appeared on 8 February, and veterinarians have struggled to treat the tigers, says the Guardian.

"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," said Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, Director General of the Department of Livestock Development within the Thai Agricultural Ministry.

There are conflicting reports over the cause of the outbreak. The Region 5 livestock office for Chiang Mai said the tigers were infected with canine distemper virus, along with a secondary infection of mycoplasma bacteria.

However, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon told media outlets the deaths were caused by feline panleukopenia.

In response, authorities have begun disinfecting enclosures and preparing to vaccinate surviving animals.

The Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a tourist site that allows visitors to "hug, touch, and take photos up close with tigers," has temporarily closed following the deaths.

The number of recorded deaths was described as "very unusual" by Kritsayarm Kongsatri, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office in Chiang Mai.

Large-scale viral outbreaks in captive tiger populations have occurred in the region before.

In Vietnam in 2024, 47 tigers and three leopards died from bird flu between August and October.

In Thailand, an outbreak at the Sriracha tiger zoo in 2004 led to the death or euthanasia of 147 tigers, reportedly from consuming infected chicken carcasses.