Kanha Tiger Reserve Hit by Deadly Canine Virus

Five Tigers Dead in Kanha After Deadly Canine Virus Attack

Kanha Tiger Reserve has reported a shocking wildlife tragedy after a tigress and her four cubs died due to the deadly Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), marking the first such confirmed case among tigers in Madhya Pradesh. The incident has triggered panic among wildlife authorities and conservationists across the country.

The deceased tigress, identified as T-141, was reportedly roaming safely in the forest with her cubs until forest patrol teams noticed sudden signs of weakness and illness. Officials immediately launched a rescue operation and shifted the animals for treatment. However, the aggressive viral infection severely damaged their immune systems, and despite continuous medical efforts, all five tigers died.

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Laboratory tests conducted at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University confirmed the presence of Canine Distemper Virus. The virus is considered highly dangerous and had earlier caused the death of 34 lions in Gir National Park in 2018.

According to preliminary investigations, the virus is commonly found among stray and domestic dogs living near forest boundaries. Officials suspect the infection spread to the tigers through contact with infected dogs in villages surrounding the reserve.

Following the alarming development, the affected forest zone has been sealed and declared a “No-Go Zone.” Authorities have also started mass vaccination drives for dogs in eight nearby villages. Surveillance has been intensified with 40 trap cameras monitoring wildlife movement and water sources across the forest.

The incident has now put multiple tiger reserves across India on high alert, raising serious concerns about disease transmission from stray animals to endangered wildlife species.