Chiang mai: The carcasses of 72 tigers have been cremated and buried following a disease outbreak that raised questions about the origin and management of the situation. Officials in contact with the dead tigers are under monitoring, with no reports of illness so far.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Kritsayam Kongsatri, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 16 in Chiang Mai, confirmed the completion of the carcass destruction process. Initially, incineration was attempted, but due to limited capacity, the method was switched to burial in marked pits with disinfectants applied to prevent contamination. The Tiger Sanctuary oversaw the procedures under the supervision of the Department of Livestock Development and the Office of Protected Area Management Region 16. Both sanctuaries remain closed to unauthorized access.

Veterinary professionals are questioning the source of the disease outbreak. Concerns have been raised about the lack of explanation regarding the origin of the canine distemper and bacterial infections found in the tigers. Dr. Wisit Asaidhammakul, involved in investigating the deaths, suggested that other diseases might be selectively blamed and emphasized the need for a comprehensive epidemiological approach.

Symptoms in affected tigers included lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, seizures, and rapid death. Early autopsies showed no serious signs, leading to consideration of viruses, toxins, or bacteria as causes. With the Mae Rim and Mae Taeng tigers showing similar symptoms, focus shifted to their common food source. Subsequent tests confirmed a viral presence, and autopsies were minimized to reduce risk.

In terms of human safety, Dr. Montien Kanasawasdi, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, reported no abnormal cases among the 108 veterinary staff and personnel involved. Continuous monitoring will occur for 21 days. The public is advised to consume thoroughly cooked food, avoid contact with sick animals, and maintain hand hygiene to prevent infection.