Suspected Canine Distemper Virus Outbreak in Kanha Tiger Reserve Linked to Tigress and Cubs Deaths
Kanha reserve: Viral outbreak suspected in deaths of tigress, cubs
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The deaths of a tigress and her four cubs in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, have raised concerns of a Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) outbreak. Officials are conducting tests and monitoring other tigers, while experts call for a ban on free-roaming dogs near the reserve to prevent further spread.
- 01A tigress and her four cubs died within 10 days in Kanha Tiger Reserve, raising fears of a CDV outbreak.
- 02Symptoms of the deceased animals suggest respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, with CDV as a potential cause.
- 03Wildlife experts are urging a ban on free-roaming dogs near forest areas to mitigate the risk of CDV transmission.
- 04The Kanha reserve is home to around 140 tigers, making it one of India's most densely populated tiger habitats.
- 05Since January 2023, seven tigers have died in the reserve, with previous cases of CDV reported in other reserves.
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The recent deaths of a tigress and her four cubs within a span of 10 days at the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India, have led officials to suspect a Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) outbreak. L. Krishnamurthy, the state's additional principal chief conservator of forest, indicated that while respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal infections were noted as causes of death, CDV cannot be ruled out. Samples have been sent for confirmation, and preventive measures, including monitoring other tigers, are underway. Kanha, which spans 2,000 square kilometers and houses about 140 tigers, is one of India's most iconic tiger habitats. Wildlife experts, including Anish Andheria from the Wildlife Conservation Trust, have called for a complete ban on the movement of dogs near forest areas, as they can carry the virus without being affected themselves. The increase in human-animal interaction, especially with locals entering the forest with dogs for safety, heightens the risk of CDV transmission to tigers. Since January, seven tigers have died in the reserve, raising alarm among conservationists, particularly given past incidents of CDV-related deaths in other reserves.
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The suspected CDV outbreak poses a significant threat to the tiger population in Kanha, impacting biodiversity and conservation efforts.
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