Authorities in Thailand are investigating the deaths of 72 tigers at two Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai facilities since 8 February, an unusually high number that has prompted a full probe.
The park’s Mae Rim facility has been closed for two weeks starting 20 February, as investigations continue. Preliminary findings revealed that the deaths were caused by feline parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that attacks the intestinal lining, lymphoid tissue, and bone marrow, weakening the animals’ immune systems.
Reports indicate that the tigers initially showed lethargy before fatalities escalated over several days. The regional conservation office director described this as the largest mass tiger death recorded at the two facilities, which together housed 246 tigers. Tiger carcasses were sent to Chiang Mai University for analysis while disinfection procedures were underway.
Authorities initially suspected contaminated raw chicken feed from a local farm, but laboratory tests confirmed feline parvovirus as the main cause. Officials noted that inbreeding among the captive tigers may have compromised their immunity, making them more vulnerable to infection.
Further tests detected the presence of Mycoplasma bacteria and canine distemper virus (CDV), which affects the respiratory system. Authorities emphasised that these diseases are not transmissible to humans.
Surviving tigers have been relocated to Tiger Kingdom’s Mae Taeng care centre while disinfections continue. Plans are underway to vaccinate the remaining tigers to prevent further outbreaks, according to reports from The Nation.
The incident has raised concerns over disease management and biosecurity in captive tiger facilities in Thailand.
