Story perspectives

72 Captive Tigers Die from Mysterious Virus in Thailand

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

In February 2026, a highly contagious virus led to the deaths of 72 captive tigers in northern Thailand.
Officials are disinfecting enclosures and preparing vaccinations for surviving tigers.
The outbreak affected Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, with symptoms first reported on February 8.
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has temporarily closed.
The cause remains unclear, and the director of livestock development suggested feline panleukopenia as a possible infection.

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Story summary

In February 2026, a highly contagious virus led to the deaths of 72 captive tigers in northern Thailand.
Officials are disinfecting enclosures and preparing vaccinations for surviving tigers.
The outbreak affected Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, with symptoms first reported on February 8.
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has temporarily closed.
The cause remains unclear, and the director of livestock development suggested feline panleukopenia as a possible infection.