BANGKOK, Thailand – The Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office has clarified reports of multiple tiger deaths at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai in Mae Rim district, confirming the cause was disease and poses no risk to humans. The facility temporarily closed to visitors for 14 days after several tigers became ill and died earlier this month.
Officials launched an investigation after receiving notice of the deaths on February 13, 2026. Veterinary teams from the livestock office, Protected Areas Regional Office 16, and the facility conducted on-site inspections and collected samples for laboratory testing. The remaining tigers were moved to the company’s animal care center in Mae Taeng district, and all animal enclosures and exhibition areas were cleaned and disinfected.
Test results from the Upper Northern Veterinary Research and Development Center found no evidence of the influenza A virus. However, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Mycoplasma bacteria were detected. Authorities said co-infection with both pathogens likely contributed to the deaths. These diseases can affect wild and captive felines and spread through close contact, bodily fluids, or insect vectors. Stress, weather fluctuations, and underlying health conditions may have increased the animals’ vulnerability.
Officials confirmed that the detected pathogens are not transmissible to humans. All staff and caretakers underwent medical checks and were found to be in normal health. The public has been advised not to panic, and the facility will reopen once sanitation measures meet required safety standards. (NNT)
