Thailand’s popular tourist attraction Chiang Mai’s Tiger Kingdom is temporarily closed to visitors following the spread of a deadly and highly contagious virus, The Guardian reported. As of February 8, nearly 72 captive tigers have been reported dead in northern Thailand.
The number of tiger deaths recorded in a short period was “highly unusual”, according to the director of the Chiang Mai Wildlife Conservation Authority, Kritsayarm Kongsatri. The first signs of illness among dozens of tigers were reported on February 8. As reported by the Bangkok Post, the surviving tigers were transferred to the Tiger Kingdom Care Center in Mae Taeng District for close observation and to limit the spread of the disease.
Amid the two-week lockdown, authorities are disinfecting paddocks and preparing to vaccinate surviving animals to contain the outbreak. The privately run park has restricted all unauthorized entry and launched a nationwide disinfection campaign. Laboratory tests are conducted on the tigers’ carcasses to determine the cause.
The exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been confirmed, but raw chicken used as feed is suspected, the Bangkok Post reported.
An official statement from the Chiang Mai Livestock Bureau indicates that the animals were infected with the distemper virus. Veterinarians identified mycoplasma bacteria as a secondary infection.
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Earlier, Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture official Somchuan Ratanamungklanon said the tigers were infected with feline panleukopenia, Thai website Matichon reported.
He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, adding: “Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats. Dogs and cats live close to us, so when they show symptoms, we can immediately respond and provide treatment.” Despite the large number of tiger deaths, he noted, tigers do not live close to humans. By the time we notice something is wrong, the disease may already be at an advanced stage,” he said.
According to the report, the effects of the deadly virus were felt in two districts of Chiang Mai – the mountainous areas of Mae Rim and Mae Taeng.
Chiang Mai’s Tiger Kingdom, which allows visitors to “hug, touch and take photos up close with tigers”, is run by Khum Sue Trakarn Co Ltd. This private company also manages Phuket Tiger Kingdom and three Tiger Park attractions – two in Phuket and one in Pattaya.