A tigress and her four cubs died at Mukki quarantine facility in Kanha Tiger Reserve due to a suspected outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). With these fatalities, tiger deaths in Madhya Pradesh have reached 27 in 2026, triggering urgent wildlife investigations. A similar outbreak in 2018 led to death of around 28 lions in Gir Lion Sanctuary within two weeks.
About Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Canine Distemper Virus is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. It is a multi-systemic disease, affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems of multiple mammalian species.
- Caused by: Single-Stranded RNA Virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family (same family as measles and mumps).
Origin
- First officially reported in Spain in 1761 and described by Edward Jenner in 1809
- Viral cause identified by Henri Carré in 1905
- Historically contributed to:
- Near extinction of the black-footed ferret
- Major decline in Serengeti lion populations
Transmission and Spread
- Primary vector: Domestic dogs (especially near forest-village interfaces)
- Modes of transmission:
- Aerosol droplets (coughing, sneezing, barking)
- Direct contact with infected fluids (saliva, urine, feces)
- Consumption of contaminated carcasses
Key Symptoms
- Early stage: Fever, watery eye/nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, appetite loss
- Gastrointestinal: Vomiting and diarrhea (often fatal for cubs)
- Physical signs: Hard pad disease (thickened paw pads), enamel defects in young animals
- Neurological stage (severe):
- Muscle twitching (myoclonus)
- Jaw seizures (“chewing-gum fits”)
- Paralysis and convulsions
Treatment and Prevention
- No specific cure exists for CDV
- Treatment is supportive:
- IV fluids and nutrition
- Antibiotics for secondary infections
- Anti-seizure medication
- Prevention: Vaccination of domestic dogs is the most effective strategy
Ecological Implications
- CDV is a spillover disease, transmitted from domestic animals to wildlife
- Can severely impact apex predators like tigers and lions
- Requires creation of immunization buffers by vaccinating 70–80% of stray dogs around protected areas
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Guidelines
NTCA has issued advisories to prevent CDV spread:
- Mandatory vaccination of stray animals within a 5 km radius of tiger reserves
- Immediate removal and disinfection of infected carcasses using bleach
- Monitoring interactions between wildlife and domestic animals
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most prominent protected areas, known for rich biodiversity and conservation success.
- Location: Maikal ranges of Satpura hills, in Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 2,074.32 sq. km
- Project Tiger: Among the first nine reserves included in the programme
- Satellite Core: Includes Phen Wildlife Sanctuary