Canine Distemper Virus Kills 72 Tigers in Thailand Tourist Parks
A devastating outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) has resulted in the deaths of 72 tigers at two tourist parks in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai province. Authorities have ruled out bird flu as the cause, assuring the public that the virus poses no known threat to humans.
Outbreak Details
The deaths occurred between February 8 and February 18, 2026, at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, across facilities in Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts. A total of 21 tigers died at the Mae Rim site, while 51 succumbed to the virus at the Mae Taeng facility The Nation Thailand. The Mae Rim site has temporarily closed for a 14-day period.
Cause of Death: Canine Distemper Virus
Initial tests revealed the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV) and Mycoplasma spp., bacteria associated with respiratory disease. The Associated Press reports that autopsies confirmed the presence of CDV, dismissing earlier concerns about avian influenza (bird flu). Co-infection with Mycoplasma spp. is believed to have contributed to severe pneumonia and the high number of fatalities.
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. While primarily found in dogs, it can also infect large cats like tigers. Symptoms include cough, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, neurological complications such as convulsions or paralysis. BBC News notes the virus can spread through saliva, urine, coughing, and sneezing, with a fatality rate of up to 50%.
A similar outbreak in 1994 led to the deaths of approximately 1,000 lions in the Serengeti region of Africa.
Response and Containment
Authorities have euthanized gravely ill tigers to prevent further suffering and contain the spread of the virus. The remains of the deceased tigers have been buried. The remaining tigers have been relocated to a quarantine and care center in Mae Taeng district. The Department of Livestock Development is conducting post-mortem examinations and monitoring the situation closely.
Public Health Concerns
Thai officials have stated that the outbreak does not pose a significant public health risk, as CDV is not known to infect humans. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat confirmed that no human infections have been reported, but monitoring is underway for individuals who have recently been in contact with the animals.
Animal Welfare Concerns
The incident has sparked criticism from animal rights groups, who point to the vulnerability of captive wild animal facilities to infectious diseases. The Wildlife Conservation Foundation of Thailand highlighted the poor management environment often found in facilities that raise wild animals for tourism. The Independent reported on these concerns.
Officials noted that detecting illness in tigers can be more challenging than in common domestic animals like cats or dogs, contributing to the rapid spread of the virus. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of the national livestock department, explained that symptoms were not easily revealed until the condition had progressed considerably.