Thai officials have announced that the deaths of 72 tigers at two tourist parks in northern Thailand were caused by canine distemper virus, not avian influenza, seeking to allay public health concerns. The announcement came during a news conference at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, where authorities emphasised that the virus is not known to affect humans.
Official Findings and Public Reassurance
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat stated that there have been no cases of animal-to-human infection from the incident. The tigers, located in the Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts of Chiang Mai province, fell ill and died over a ten-day period between February 8 and 18. Autopsies conducted by the Chiang Mai regional livestock office revealed genetic material of canine distemper virus (CDV) and traces of bacterial infection, but no evidence of bird flu.
Health Monitoring and Response Measures
Monthien Khanasawat, director-general of the Public Health Ministry’s Disease Control Department, explained that while no one has shown symptoms so far, authorities are monitoring individuals who recently had contact with the animals. "If we detect any sick persons, we will prepare for a nationwide monitoring measure," he said, noting that this would include contact tracing and necessary treatment. This effort aims to reassure the public, especially given the resurgence of bird flu in parts of Asia.
Vulnerability and Transmission of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper virus is infectious for both dogs and felines, with cats and tigers often experiencing stronger symptoms. It can spread through bodily fluids and air. Thai authorities highlighted that tigers in confined environments, already affected by stress and inbreeding conditions, are particularly vulnerable to such viral infections. The remains of the tigers underwent necropsies before being cremated and buried, with proper disinfection to prevent further use, as confirmed by Livestock Development Department Director-General Somchuan Rattanamangklanan.
Concerns Over Infection Origins
Despite the official findings, some concerns remain. Visit Arsaithamkul, a veterinarian involved in the necropsies, expressed uncertainty about the origins of the infections. In a Facebook post, he suggested that since the two parks are only 30 kilometers apart, the cause might be contaminated food from a common source. However, he declined to elaborate further when contacted by The Associated Press. Both parks, operating under the name Tiger Kingdom, remain closed, and the operators have not responded to requests for comment.
Ongoing Vigilance Against Bird Flu
Thai authorities continue to be alert for bird flu threats. Monthien urged Thais to exercise caution with poultry consumption, referencing a recent infection in a neighbouring country. Bird flu has a history in the region, with the first animal-to-human transmission detected in Hong Kong in 1997, leading to a pandemic that spread across Asia in 2003. In Thailand, tens of millions of poultry were culled during that period, causing a significant drop in consumption due to fear of infection.
The incident underscores the challenges of managing wildlife health in tourist settings, while public health officials work to balance transparency with preventive measures against potential outbreaks.
