CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Several tigers at the popular Tiger Kingdom attraction in Mae Rim district died from disease in early February, but authorities said investigations found no risk to visitors.
Investigation launched after tiger deaths
According to the Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office, officials were formally notified on 13 February 2026 about several sick and subsequently dead tigers at Tiger Kingdom. The office immediately opened an investigation and, together with veterinarians from other state agencies, dispatched a team to the facility in Mae Rim district.
Veterinary checks and sample collection
Specialists from the provincial livestock authority, the Protected Areas Regional Office 16, and the park’s own veterinarians took part in the inspections. On site, experts carried out health checks, examined enclosures, and collected blood and tissue samples from the affected animals for laboratory analysis.
Lab results rule out influenza A
Testing at the Upper Northern Veterinary Research and Development Center showed that no influenza A virus was detectable in the dead tigers. Instead, laboratory specialists identified infections with Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Mycoplasma bacteria, and authorities assumed that the combined infection with both pathogens had significantly contributed to the fatalities.
Possible causes and risk factors
Officials stated that both CDV and Mycoplasma generally occur in wild and captive big cats and can be transmitted through close contact, bodily fluids, or insects. In the veterinarians’ assessment, additional stress, sharp weather changes, and pre-existing health problems may have increased the animals’ susceptibility in this case.
Relocation and disinfection measures
In response, the remaining tigers were moved to the company’s separate Animal Care Center in Mae Taeng district, where they continued to be monitored under veterinary supervision. At the same time, the operator had all animal enclosures and exhibition areas thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent further spread of the pathogens within the collection.
No evidence of danger to visitors
Authorities emphasized that, based on current knowledge, the detected pathogens are not transmissible to humans and pose no immediate threat to the public. All employees and keepers at the park underwent medical examinations and were reported to be in normal health.
Temporary closure and conditions for reopening
Tiger Kingdom was closed to visitors for 14 days as a precaution, until the required hygiene measures were fully implemented and approved by the authorities. The public was urged not to panic while experts continued to monitor the situation and planned to clear the facility for reopening once all work had been completed.
“The public was urged not to panic while experts continued to monitor the situation and planned to clear the facility for reopening once all work had been completed.”
said unnamed officials, responsible authorities.