US Edition72 tigers die in deadly virus outbreak in Thailand; popular tourist attraction Chiang Mai park closed — What we know
- Between Feb 8 and Feb 19, authorities reported 72 tigers died across two private Chiang Mai facilities, prompting Mae Rim Tiger Kingdom to announce a temporary 14-day closure while the park could not be reached for comment on Feb 21.
- Laboratory analysis from Chiang Mai University found canine distemper virus and Mycoplasma spp., with no influenza A detected, on Feb 20, 2026.
- A veterinary disease investigation team from the Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office inspected Mae Rim, collected samples, sent them to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and relocated live tigers to a nursing centre in Mae Taeng; site officials sprayed disinfectant and monitor remaining tigers.
- Authorities stressed that CDV is not a zoonotic disease and said the Thai public need not fear transmission, urging them to report unusual animal illness to local livestock authorities, while Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of the national livestock department, ordered strict cleaning, isolation, and vaccination measures.
- Investigators from provincial livestock and conservation departments cited potential inbreeding in captive tiger populations that can weaken immunity, and PETA Asia said, 'These tigers died the way they lived — in misery, confinement and fear.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 72 tigers have died in recent weeks in a private zoo in northern Thailand due to a viral and bacterial infection, authorities reported.The evidence detected the presence of the highly contagious canine mop virus, which can affect large cats as well as respiratory system bacteria, reported Friday in a statement by the Department of Livestock in Chiang Mai Province. “When tigers get sick, it is harder to detect it tha…
According to the Tiger Kingdom website, tourists can touch and pet the tigers.
In northern Thailand, 72 captive tigers died this month from a suspected highly contagious virus and a bacterium. Authorities are trying to contain the outbreak and disinfect the tiger enclosures. The exact cause of death is still under investigation. According to the regional animal husbandry office in the city of Chiang Mai, the tigers were infected with canine distemper virus. Veterinarians also found a secondary bacterial infection. Local au…
The dam is a viral disease that can occur in many animal species. According to the competent veterinary authority, it is difficult to prove with tigers: "When we realized that they are sick, it was already too late.
An epidemic has decimated dozens of tigers in a tourist park in northern Thailand. Authorities report a viral and bacterial infection.
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