BHOPAL: A tigress and her last surviving cub have died at the Mukki quarantine facility in Kanha Tiger Reserve, days after three of her cubs perished in quick succession. Forest officials suspect an outbreak of Canine distemper virus (CDV) may be responsible.
The tigress, identified as T-141 from the Sarhi range, had lost three cubs between April 21 and April 25. As her condition worsened, forest teams rescued the 8–10-year-old tigress and her only remaining cub—estimated to be 15–18 months old—and shifted them to the Mukki facility for treatment. Both, however, succumbed despite efforts to save them.
With these deaths, the tiger mortality count in Madhya Pradesh has risen to 30 this year.
Post-mortem examinations were conducted by a team of expert veterinarians following guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Initial findings pointed to severe lung infection, while samples have been sent for detailed laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of CDV.
Officials said the symptoms—particularly respiratory distress and empty stomachs observed in the cubs—are consistent with canine distemper. The virus is highly contagious and affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of carnivores.
There are growing concerns that the infection may have spread from domestic or stray dogs at the forest’s edge. Authorities suspect the tigress and her cubs may have contracted the disease after feeding on a contaminated kill, possibly exposed to infected dog populations outside the reserve.
In response, forest authorities have launched a large-scale containment and sanitisation drive across the reserve and its buffer zones. Measures include disinfecting sensitive areas, intensifying surveillance, and vaccinating stray and village dogs to prevent further transmission.
The response follows advisories from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which recommend creating immunisation buffers around tiger habitats. Experts note that vaccinating 70–80% of local animal populations can significantly reduce disease spread by establishing herd immunity.
Authorities are also implementing real-time disease monitoring, safe disposal of carcasses, and awareness campaigns in nearby villages to minimise interaction between domestic animals and wildlife.
