Investigation Launched After 72 Tigers Die at Popular Thai Tourist Attraction

Bangkok. Authorities have launched a formal investigation after 72 tigers died at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.

It is reported that this many tigers died within two weeks due to a disease spreading across two compounds of the facility. According to the local livestock department, samples taken from the deceased tigers confirmed the presence of 'Canine Distemper Virus' (CDV). How the infection spread remains unclear.

Somchuan Ratanamungklanont, the park's director, told local media that the delay in identifying the disease in the tigers made it difficult to control. "By the time we realized they were sick, it was too late," he said.

The provincial livestock office had previously indicated that feline parvovirus and respiratory bacteria were also found in some samples. Initial estimates suggest the infection may have spread through raw chicken fed to the tigers.

In 2004, about 150 tigers died or were culled after bird flu spread through raw chicken feed at a zoo in Chonburi province.

The cremation and burial of the remains of the dead tigers have now been completed. It was reported that there were over 240 tigers in the park's two compounds previously.

Since the disease is highly contagious, the park's veterinarians and staff have been placed under 21-day observation. No human infections have been reported so far.

Following this incident, animal rights activists have raised serious questions about the living conditions of tigers kept for entertainment. Officials stated that efforts to identify the source of the infection and prevent further losses are ongoing.