Virus Outbreak Kills 72 Captive Tigers in Thailand

A highly contagious virus is believed to have caused the deaths of 72 captive tigers in northern Thailand this month, prompting urgent efforts to contain the outbreak. The affected areas are the mountainous regions of Mae Rim and Mae Taeng in Chiang Mai province.

What Caused the Tiger Deaths?

The government’s region 5 livestock office for Chiang Mai initially reported that the animals were infected with canine distemper virus, with veterinarians also identifying mycoplasma bacteria as a secondary infection. However, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director general of the department of livestock development within the Thai agricultural ministry, stated that the tigers had been infected with feline panleukopenia [1].

Impact on Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai

Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction known for allowing visitors close interaction with tigers, has been temporarily closed following the deaths [1].

Previous Outbreaks and Tiger Populations

In 2004, an outbreak of bird flu affected the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi province, resulting in 147 of the zoo’s animals contracting the virus [2]. The Sriracha Tiger Zoo, located near Pattaya, closed in 2021 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. It once claimed a large population of tigers and crocodiles.

It is estimated that only around 150 tigers remain in the wild in Thailand, facing threats from poaching and habitat loss [3]. Hundreds of captive tigers also suffer in inadequate conditions as part of the tourism industry.

Tiger Rescue and Conservation Efforts

Organizations like the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) are involved in rescuing and rehabilitating captive tigers, offering a sanctuary for those who cannot be returned to the wild [3]. The WFFT currently houses over 20 tigers, many of which were rescued from places like Phuket Zoo and tiger farms [3].