A tiger died due to suspected lung infection in the core area of Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, taking the number of such big cat fatalities to six within a month, officials said.
The authorities suspect the deaths may be linked to canine distemper virus (CDV), commonly found in stray dogs. Officials said the tiger was found dead in compartment number 156 of Mohgaon beat under the Mukki range after forest staff received information that the animal was injured and unwell.
KTR deputy director P K Verma said the carcass was examined as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines and protocol. “The post-mortem report showed the dead tiger was a male aged around five to six years. Serious lung infection was found in the feline,” he said.
All body parts, including canine teeth, claws and whiskers, were found intact, he added. Forest officials collected viscera and forensic samples and later disposed of the carcass in the presence of senior officials, he added.
KTR wildlife veterinarian Dr Sandeep Agrawal said stray dogs sometimes attack herbivorous wild animals by entering forest areas.
