Following the suspected outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) at Kanha Tiger Reserve, where a tigress and her four cubs died, the Pune forest department has launched a census of stray dogs in and around five wildlife sanctuaries. This initiative aims to assess the stray dog population and develop disease prevention strategies to safeguard wild carnivores from potential infections. The census will encompass Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary, Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary, Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary, and Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as nearby villages where stray dog movements are noted. Although no CDV cases have been detected in Maharashtra, officials stress the need for accurate data to prepare for any health crises. Assistant conservator Sandeep Gaware highlighted that the findings will guide vaccination drives and other preventive measures. Wildlife experts warn that diseases such as CDV, rabies, and parvovirus can transmit from stray dogs to wild species, making disease surveillance crucial for wildlife conservation, especially given the increasing interaction between humans and wildlife.