Bangkok (VNA) - An unusually high number of tiger deaths in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai of Thailand, have been linked to disease, with the country’s Agriculture Ministry saying on February 23 that tests identified the cause and found no evidence that it spreads from animals to humans, local media reported.
Thai Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Amin Mayusoh said that he has received an update from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) following reports that 72 tigers have died.
He said the update followed reports linking the deaths to avian influenza, but tests pointed to another infection.
According to Amin, the DLD investigated the cause of death and found evidence consistent with canine distemper virus.
Tests also detected Mycoplasma, a bacterium associated with respiratory disease. He said the combined infection of the virus and bacteria led to severe pneumonia and complications, which resulted in the tigers dying.
Amin said officials had also reviewed impacts on workers involved in the case and found the infection does not transmit from animals to humans.
He added that Thamanat Prompow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, had ordered close monitoring of the situation to prevent further spread and to maintain public confidence.
Chuwit, owner of the Mae Rim Tiger Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, said that following the incident, the facility implemented disease control measures, disinfection procedures and burial of animal carcasses in strict accordance with scientific protocols.
Canine distemper, also known as Carré’s disease, is a highly contagious and acute viral disease in dogs caused by the canine distemper virus, with mortality rates of up to 90%. The disease spreads rapidly through the respiratory and digestive tracts and directly affects the respiratory, digestive, skin and nervous systems. Given its high transmissibility, awareness and preventive measures are considered particularly important./.
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