Chiang mai: In an effort to quell growing concerns, Mr. Kritsayam Kongsatri, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 16, Chiang Mai, has confirmed that the tiger carcasses have been disposed of following professional standards. Initially employing incineration, the method was switched to burial in pits due to a lack of sufficient incinerators. The process involved marking the coordinates of each pit with flags and numbering each carcass systematically. Disinfectants were applied to prevent contamination, and the entire procedure was closely supervised by officials from the Department of Livestock Development and the Conservation Area Management Office 16. Both Tiger Sanctuaries remain off-limits to unauthorized personnel.
According to Thai News Agency, concerns have been raised by veterinarians about the origins of the outbreak, which has been attributed to canine distemper and bacterial infections. Questions linger about whether the outbreak originated from the food source, and if the identified illnesses are indeed the cause of the deaths. Dr. Wisit Asaidhammakul, a veterinarian investigating the tiger deaths in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, has expressed concerns about the disease surveillance and management system, hinting that other diseases might be overlooked.
The tigers initially exhibited symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever, which quickly escalated to seizures and death. Early autopsies showed no significant signs, leading to speculation about viruses, toxins, or bacteria as potential causes. As the affected tigers in Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, located 30 km apart, shared similar symptoms, the investigation turned to their common food source. With the increase in sick and deceased tigers, suspicions of a viral outbreak grew, and samples were sent for testing, which eventually confirmed a virus.
Despite the confirmation of a virus, Dr. Montien Kanasawasdi, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, reassured the public that no abnormal cases have been detected among the approximately 108 veterinary staff and personnel in contact with the tigers. Continuous health assessments and monitoring for 21 days have been implemented. The public has been advised to consume only thoroughly cooked meals, avoid contact with sick animals, and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent infection.
The situation underscores the necessity for a robust "One Health" approach to animal diseases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of livestock, wildlife, humans, and the environment. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the adequacy of current disease surveillance systems and the role of government agencies in addressing such outbreaks.