Chiang Mai, Thailand – A highly contagious viral outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 72 captive tigers in northern Thailand, prompting urgent containment measures from Thai authorities. The majority of the deaths occurred at two privately-owned wildlife parks, Tiger Kingdom Mae Taeng and Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim, in the Chiang Mai province.
The outbreak began to manifest earlier this month, with tigers first showing signs of illness around . Between and , 51 tigers died at Mae Taeng and 21 at Mae Rim, according to a timeline released by the regional Protected Area Office.
Preliminary tests conducted by livestock officials indicate the tigers were infected with feline parvovirus, also known as feline panleukopenia. Further laboratory analysis of carcasses revealed the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV) and Mycoplasma bacteria. Crucially, tests ruled out the presence of influenza A, the virus responsible for bird flu.
Feline parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that attacks the digestive system and immune response, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, high fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Canine distemper, similarly contagious, impacts the lungs, stomach, and potentially the brain, proving deadly to big cats. Mycoplasma is a bacterial infection that exacerbates respiratory issues, particularly in animals with compromised immune systems.
The situation highlights the unique challenges of treating large carnivores compared to domestic animals. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of Thailand’s department of livestock development, explained the difficulties in responding to the outbreak. “Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats. Dogs and cats live closely with us, so when they show symptoms, One 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,” he told local media.
Authorities are now focused on disinfecting enclosures at the affected parks and preparing to vaccinate surviving tigers. Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has been temporarily closed to the public as a precautionary measure. The park is a popular tourist destination, known for allowing visitors close interaction with the animals, including opportunities to “hug, touch, and take photos up close with tigers.”
Here’s not the first instance of a significant disease outbreak impacting Thailand’s tiger populations. In , an outbreak of bird flu affected the Sriracha tiger zoo in Chonburi province, resulting in the deaths of 147 tigers.
The current outbreak raises broader questions about the health and welfare of captive tiger populations in Thailand, and the potential risks associated with close human-animal interaction. While officials have identified the viruses involved, the underlying factors contributing to the severity of the outbreak remain under investigation. Some reports suggest inbreeding within the captive population may have played a role in weakening the tigers’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to the viruses.
The implications of this outbreak extend beyond animal welfare. Thailand’s tourism industry, a significant contributor to the national economy, could be affected by negative publicity surrounding the incident. The temporary closure of Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai will undoubtedly impact local businesses that rely on tourist revenue.
The situation is being closely monitored by international animal health organizations, who are offering support and expertise to Thai authorities. The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of wildlife populations to infectious diseases, particularly in captive environments where animals are often housed in close proximity and may experience compromised immune function. Further investigation is needed to determine the origin of the viruses and to develop effective strategies for preventing future outbreaks.
The Thai government’s region 5 livestock office has released statements regarding the outbreak, but the exact cause of death remains under investigation. The interplay between feline parvovirus, canine distemper virus, and Mycoplasma bacteria is complex, and determining which factor played the most significant role in the tigers’ deaths will be crucial for informing future prevention efforts.
