Bhopal May 5, 2026. The death of Tigres T-141 and her four cubs in the Sarhi forest range of Kanha Tiger Reserve due to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) prompted an extensive emergency response by forest and wildlife authorities. Officials stated that immediate rescue and treatment measures were initiated after abnormal movement and behaviour were noticed in the tigress and one of her cubs. Following standard wildlife rescue protocols, veterinary teams provided urgent medical care and collected samples, which were sent to the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health, Jabalpur, for examination. Authorities remained in constant contact with the institute’s director to expedite testing. Laboratory reports later confirmed the presence of Canine Distemper Virus. After confirmation, wildlife veterinarians began treatment as per established protocols, but despite continuous efforts, the tigress and her cub succumbed during treatment.

PCCF Wildlife Dr Samita Rajora (IFS), said intensive monitoring operations were launched in the surrounding forest area. Elephant patrol teams were deployed to track the movement of other big cats and carnivores in the region, and the surveillance continues. Water samples from reservoirs frequently used by the tigress and cubs were also collected and sent for forensic analysis. Besides vista samples from carnivorous wildlife in the region have similarly been dispatched for testing to assess the possible spread of infection. To strengthen disease surveillance, around 40 camera traps have been installed across the affected zone to monitor carnivorous wildlife for symptoms of infection or abnormal behaviour. Forest officials said the effort is aimed at ensuring early detection of any further outbreak. In coordination with the district veterinary department, vaccination and health screening drives for stray and domestic dogs in villages surrounding the reserve have also begun. We have issued comprehensive guidelines to contain the spread of CDV among tigers and other carnivores, added Rajora. These instructions include intensive awareness programmes for forest staff, frontline workers, and security personnel so that symptoms such as neurological disorders, weakness, or unusual movement patterns in wildlife can be identified and reported immediately. The guidelines further directed vaccination of stray dogs across buffer zones and nearby villages, regular health monitoring of domestic animals, and implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures to regulate stray dog populations around the reserve. Assistance from district administration and police authorities is also being sought to ensure successful execution of vaccination and population control drives. Continuous monitoring has been ordered in and around the rescue site through camera traps and patrolling teams. Wildlife showing abnormal symptoms are to be rescued immediately and their samples sent to the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health or the Indian Veterinary Research Institute for testing. Officials also confirmed that the quarantine and treatment centre at Mukki, where the tigress and cubs were treated, along with transport cages and vehicles, underwent complete sanitisation as per CDV safety protocols. The carcasses were disposed of according to prescribed biosecurity procedures. She noted that all directions issued earlier by the National Tiger Conservation Authority are being strictly followed to prevent further spread of the infection.

Ms Rajora said, the Director of Kanha Tiger Reserve said senior officials inspected the locations where the carcasses of three cubs were found and carried out intensive forest patrols and water source inspections across the Sarhi range. Field staff were instructed to disinfect water channels and nearby areas with bleaching powder and lime, quarantine the affected zone, and restrict safari tourism in the area as a precautionary measure. Tourists, guides, and safari vehicle operators have also been advised to immediately report any signs of abnormal wildlife behaviour or illness during jungle visits. Information boards are being installed at tourism gates and dedicated personnel have been assigned for monitoring and awareness. The reserve administration stated that during 2025-26, nearly 12,734 domestic animals across 84 villages associated with the reserve have already been vaccinated. In addition, around 404 dogs in the Khapa and Khatia ranges have received vaccination, while another 94 dogs from villages connected to the Sarhi zone have also been inoculated with assistance from the animal husbandry department and WWF. Vaccination of the remaining dogs is expected to be completed shortly. Meetings involving veterinary experts, wildlife doctors, and district officials have been held to prepare a long-term action plan for preventing future outbreaks. Discussions focused on systematic vaccination of stray dogs, identification of CDV symptoms in domestic animals, community awareness campaigns, and coordinated implementation of Animal Birth Control programmes in buffer villages. Forest staff have also been instructed to maintain strict sanitisation and safety measures during patrolling. Protective gear, disinfectant powder, and sanitation materials have been distributed across camps. Personnel have been directed to disinfect shoes, clothing, and equipment before entering camps after field movement.

Special meetings were convened with guides, hotel owners, vehicle operators, eco-development committees, and self-help groups to sensitise them about wildlife monitoring and tourism-related precautions. Officials have asked them to immediately report any unusual change in wildlife behaviour in the forest landscape. Authorities said the Sarhi range continues to remain under close surveillance through elephant patrols, camera traps, forensic sampling of water and scat, and regular monitoring of tiger movement to ensure that the infection does not spread further within the reserve ecosystem.