Feb 21, Kathmandu - In the past week, at least 72 tigers have died in a private wildlife park in northern Thailand, officials reported, citing an outbreak of a highly contagious virus and bacteria.

The Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office announced that tests on the deceased tigers revealed the presence of the highly infectious Canine Distemper Virus and bacteria affecting respiratory systems.

Officials explained that identifying health issues in sick tigers is challenging and that by the time testing was conducted, it was too late to save many of the animals. Somchuan Ratanamungkhlanon, director of the National Animal Health Department, told local media that the animals succumbed to their illnesses amidst suffering, fear, and a lack of timely treatment.

According to information on the park's website, the incident was compounded by the absence of prompt testing and proper medical care, leading to the tragic deaths of the tigers. Animal rights organization PETA Asia, citing the park, highlighted the situation in their statement to AFP, emphasizing the neglect and dire circumstances faced by the animals.