Sixth tiger dies of suspected CDV in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Reserve

While the previous five deaths took place in the Sarhi range, the latest death in the Mukki range raises concerns of a highly contagious virus spreading in the forest

Published – May 19, 2026 10:51 pm IST – Bhopal

Mehul Malpani

Another tiger has been found dead in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR), with the authorities suspecting it to be the sixth death within a month due to the canine distemper virus (CDV), which spreads through dogs. 

The six-year-old male tiger was found dead on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) in compartment number 156 of Mohgaon beat under the Mukki range by a patrolling team that was acting on information about an animal being unwell, according to officials. 

Tigress, four cubs die in Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh

KTR Deputy Director P. K. Verma told The Hindu that the initial findings of the post-mortem examination show a serious lung infection in the feline, prompting the suspicion of the presence of CDV, as well as some superficial injury marks, likely caused due to a fight with another animal.

Forensic and viscera samples from the carcass have been sent to the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health, Jabalpur, for confirmation on the cause of death, Mr. Verma said.

“The test results will take two-three days to come but we have put in precautionary measures in place already. The water body near which the tiger was found has been contained and disinfected with bleach and lime. The animal’s scat and food leftovers have been burnt so that no other animal comes into contact with them,” he said.

The latest death is a matter of concern for forest and wildlife authorities in Madhya Pradesh as the virus has already claimed a female tiger and four of her cubs in April in Sarah range of the KTR. The authorities had claimed that the areas where the five animals were found were cleaned and the virus had been contained. 

The death of a tiger in another range now raises concerns of the virus spreading into other regions of the Reserve. The Union government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority had already sought reports from State officials on the deaths by the virus. 

The School of Wildlife Forensic and Health had confirmed that the earlier five deaths had been caused by CDV, a highly contagious virus that targets an animal’s respiratory organs, nervous system, and immunity.  

Male tiger, two cubs, found dead at the Kanha Tiger Reserve

A ground official at the KTR, who requested anonymity, said that the rising population of stray dogs in the buffer and surrounding regions has been a cause of concern as they enter the core area often. 

“Sometimes, locals from surrounding villages also keep dogs with them when they go to collect forest produce [which is restricted in the core areas],” the official at Sarhi range said. 

Meanwhile, a rabies and CDV vaccination drive for dogs in the core and buffer areas of KTR’s affected parts is already underway, Mr. Verma said.

Published – May 19, 2026 10:51 pm IST

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