However, we just found out that the number of dead tigers is now 72. Seventy two majestic tigers. Dead.
At Mae Taeng Learning Centre Tiger Kingdom, there were 146 captive tigers. Since 9th February, a total of 51 have died, leaving 95 remaining. Another 21 died at Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim.
There is no reason Thailand has all of these beautiful tigers in captivity. Shut it all down now.
Test results confirmed that all of the tigers died from feline distemper, or feline parvovirus (Feline Parvovirus), a virus that rapidly affects the digestive and immune systems. It causes symptoms including vomiting, severe bloody diarrhoea, high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and carries a high mortality rate. In addition, secondary infection with Mycoplasma bacteria was also detected.
“It must be acknowledged that treating sick tigers is not the same as treating dogs and cats. Dogs and cats live closely with people, so when symptoms appear, they can receive treatment immediately. In the case of tigers, they are not in close contact with humans, and by the time illness is detected, it may already be too late. However, officials have now thoroughly disinfected the area, giving confidence that the disease has been contained and will not spread further. Vaccines against feline distemper are also being prepared for all remaining tigers,” Dr Somchuan said.
Officials have now deployed teams to spray disinfectant throughout the enclosures and surrounding areas, while strengthening strict disease control measures to prevent further outbreaks. Preparations are also underway to vaccinate all remaining tigers at both Maerim and Maetang Tiger Kingdoms in Chiang Mai province.