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Mass tiger deaths investigated at Chiang Mai attraction
Thai authorities are probing the deaths of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a park where visitors interact with the animals, after an outbreak of canine distemper virus.
Timeline of the outbreak
The tigers died within two weeks this month across two facilities housing over 240 big cats. Officials confirmed the virus had stopped spreading and no additional deaths were reported as of Tuesday.
The remains of the deceased tigers were buried, and authorities recommended euthanizing critically ill animals to prevent further suffering.
Cause and testing
Samples from the tigers tested positive for canine distemper virus, a contagious disease affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. While common in dogs, it can also infect big cats.
Additional tests revealed the presence of bacteria linked to respiratory illness. Preliminary findings had suggested feline parvovirus, and officials initially suspected contaminated raw chicken fed to the tigers as a possible source.
"By the time we realized they were sick, it was already too late," said Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of the national livestock department. He noted that detecting illness in tigers is more difficult than in domestic animals.
Somchuan Ratanamungklanon
Human health and precautions
No humans, including veterinarians and staff, were infected, though workers were placed under 21-day observation as a precaution, according to the disease control department.
Broader concerns and criticism
Animal rights groups condemned the incident, citing poor living conditions for captive tigers used in entertainment. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand called the deaths a result of "extreme vulnerability" in such facilities.
"Tragedies like this would be far less likely if tourists stayed away from these attractions," Peta Asia stated.
Park closure and next steps
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has been temporarily closed for two weeks while officials conduct disinfection. Authorities collected samples from the tigers, their food, and surroundings to determine the outbreak's origin.
The incident recalls a 2004 bird flu outbreak at a Chonburi tiger zoo, where nearly 150 tigers died or were euthanized after suspected contaminated raw chicken.
