Thai officials confirmed that 72 tigers at two Chiang Mai tourist parks died from canine distemper virus (CDV), not avian influenza, after autopsies detected CDV genetic material and bacterial traces. No human infections have been reported; authorities are monitoring people who had contact with the animals and stand ready to conduct contact tracing if needed. The parks, operating under the Tiger Kingdom name, remain closed while investigations continue into the outbreak's origin, including a possible shared food source.
Thai Officials: Canine Distemper Killed 72 Tigers at Chiang Mai Tourist Parks — Not Bird Flu
In this handout released by Tiger Kingdom sanctuary in Chiang Mai, dodies of dead tigers are laid in preparation for autopsy near a crematorium in Tiger Kingdom Learning Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (Tiger Kingdom sanctuary in Chiang Mai via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Thai authorities announced that 72 tigers died at two tourist animal parks in Chiang Mai province after testing positive for canine distemper virus (CDV), a disease not known to infect humans. Officials stressed the deaths do not appear to be linked to avian influenza (bird flu), and no human cases have been identified so far.
The tigers, housed at parks in the Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts, became ill and died over about a 10-day period from Feb. 8 to Feb. 18. Park operators run attractions under the name Tiger Kingdom; both parks remain closed pending further investigation.
“There has not been an animal-to-human infection case,” Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said at a government news briefing in Bangkok.
Findings and Response
Autopsies conducted by the Chiang Mai regional livestock office detected genetic material from canine distemper virus and traces of bacterial infection in the animals. Tests found no evidence of avian influenza A. Authorities said the tiger carcasses were necropsied, photographed, disinfected, cremated and buried to prevent further use or spread.
“If we detect any sick persons, we will prepare for a nationwide monitoring measure. This will include contact tracing and treatment as necessary,” said Monthien Khanasawat, director-general of the Public Health Ministry’s Disease Control Department.
What Is Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)?
CDV infects both dogs and felids and can produce particularly severe disease in large cats such as tigers. It spreads through bodily fluids and respiratory droplets. Thai officials noted that captive tigers in confined, stressful or inbred conditions may be especially vulnerable to severe infections.
Unresolved Questions
Veterinarian Visit Arsaithamkul, who participated in the necropsies, warned that the source of the outbreak remains unclear without further investigation. In a social media post he suggested the two parks, located roughly 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) apart, might have been exposed through a common food source or supplier. He declined additional comment when contacted by The Associated Press.
Thai authorities said they continue to monitor people who had recent contact with the animals. Officials also reminded the public to exercise caution with poultry following a recent human bird-flu case reported in a neighboring country, which the official did not name. Thailand experienced a serious avian influenza outbreak in the mid-2000s, when 17 human deaths were recorded among 25 confirmed cases linked to poultry infection from 2004 to 2007.
Investigations into the exact origin of the CDV outbreak and any potential biosecurity gaps at the parks are expected to continue.
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