72 tigers died in petting parks in northern Thailand

No fewer than 72 tigers died in 10 days in two tourist parks in the Chiang Mai area, in northern Thailand. The cause of the mass death of the animals is the CDV virus, which infects both dogs and cats, and spreads through body fluids and air. Thai authorities said that tigers in closed environments, already affected by stressful conditions and an unsanitary environment, could be particularly vulnerable.

Currently, the two parks, managed under the name “Tiger Kingdom”, where tourists used to come to pet the predatory animals, remain closed and no response to the cases has been received from them.

At the same time, Thai authorities stated that the virus should not worry the public, because it does not affect humans. So far no one has shown any symptoms, but authorities are still monitoring the health of people who have recently come into contact with the animals at the site.

“There was no case of infection between animals and humans,” Health Minister Patna Prompat said at a press conference. “If we identify sick people, we will prepare for national monitoring measures,” said Montain Khansawat, director general of the disease control department at the Ministry of Health. “This will include locating infected people and treating them as needed.”

Montaigne claimed at the press conference that the deaths of the tigers were not related to bird flu, which has resurfaced in parts of Asia.

According to reports, the 72 tigers fell ill and died during a period of about 10 days between February 8 and 18. The tigers underwent postmortems before being cremated and buried. The carcasses were sterilized, photographed and disposed of to prevent any further use is the spread of the disease, Animal Development Department Director General Somchuan Ratnamengkalnan said at the press conference.

The event comes after, for years, it was customary in Thailand to go to the attractions of petting tigers and riding elephants, both of which declined in popularity following public and internal criticism.