Thai authorities are investigating the deaths of 72 tigers at two tiger parks in Chiang Mai after the animals died unusually between February 8 and February 19, 2026. The fatalities occurred at Mae Rim Tiger Kingdom and a second facility in Mae Taeng district, prompting a temporary 14-day closure at the Mae Rim site. Laboratory tests have detected canine distemper virus (CDV) and Mycoplasma spp., while influenza A virus has been ruled out.
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According to Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), 21 tigers died at Mae Rim and 51 at Mae Taeng during the 12-day period. The first alert came on February 8, when 31 tigers at Mae Taeng were reported lethargic and ill. By February 9, one tiger had died at Mae Taeng, with further deaths reported at both parks over the following days.
Post-mortem examinations were overseen by wildlife veterinarians from Regional Office 16, with tissue samples sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University and the Veterinary Research and Development Centre (Upper Northern Region) in Lampang under the Department of Livestock Development. On February 12 alone, 25 tigers died across both facilities, followed by 20 more on February 13. Deaths continued daily until February 18, with monitoring ongoing on February 19.
Tests confirmed no genetic material of influenza A virus was found. However, samples tested positive for CDV, a virus affecting canids and large wild cats and Mycoplasma spp., bacteria linked to respiratory disease. Authorities believe co-infection may have led to severe pneumonia and complications, contributing to the high mortality rate and stressed that CDV is not a zoonotic disease.
Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, ordered strict disease-control measures, including cleaning and disinfecting enclosures, isolating sick animals and preparing vaccinations for the remaining tigers. Healthy tigers were relocated to a nursing centre in Mae Taeng for quarantine, with 21 moved on February 14 and a further 12 on February 15. Officials also cited potential inbreeding in captive settings and the difficulty of detecting early symptoms as possible contributing factors.
The Nation reported that Multi-agency meetings were held on February 13 and 14 to coordinate carcass disposal and disease-control planning, involving zoo representatives, district livestock officials and wildlife conservation authorities. Disinfectant has been sprayed across affected sites, and remaining animals are under close observation. The public has been urged to report any unusual animal illness or deaths to local livestock authorities without delay.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
Key Takeaways
• Seventy-two tigers died at Mae Rim and Mae Taeng tiger parks between February 8 and 19, 2026.
• Tests confirmed canine distemper virus and Mycoplasma spp., while influenza A was ruled out.
• Authorities have imposed quarantine, disinfection and vaccination measures, with Mae Rim closed for 14 days.
Original story
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 22 Feb 2026
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