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Tigress and four cubs die in Kanha Tiger Reserve; CDV suspected
A tigress identified as T-141 and her four cubs died at Kanha Tiger Reserve after a suspected Canine Distemper Virus outbreak. The sequence of cub deaths and subsequent veterinary investigations led to relocation of the tigress and the remaining cub for treatment, where they later died, with CDV suspected and samples sent for confirmation.
Why It Matters
The suspected CDV outbreak among tigers highlights wildlife disease risks and the need for surveillance, vaccination programs for dogs nearby, and rapid response to protect tiger populations.
Timeline
7 Events
CDV suspected; samples taken for confirmation; monitoring and investigations
April 30, 2026
Medical tests confirmed respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, raising suspicion of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). Samples were sent for confirmation. Officials began monitoring other tigers in the wild; samples were preserved, and water samples were tested as part of ongoing investigations.
Tigress and last cub die during treatment
April 29, 2026
The tigress and her last surviving cub died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at the Mukki rescue centre.
Tigress and last surviving cub located ailing; tranquilized and moved to Mukki rescue centre
April 26, 2026
The tigress and her last surviving cub were located ailing in the Sarhi area; they were tranquilized and shifted to the Mukki rescue centre for treatment.
Post-mortem finds lung infection; CDV suspected
April 25, 2026
Post-mortem on a cub revealed death due to a lung infection, prompting authorities to locate the tigress and her last surviving cub in the Sarhi area.
Third cub discovered
April 25, 2026
A third cub was discovered, prompting further investigation into the litter’s mortality.
Second cub carcass found in decomposed state; starvation suspected initially
April 24, 2026
The carcass of the second cub was found in a decomposed state. Authorities initially attributed the death to starvation, noting that cubs cannot hunt without their mother.
First cub dies in Kanha Tiger Reserve
April 21, 2026
Local officials report that the first cub of tigress T-141 died in the Sarhi range area of Kanha Tiger Reserve.