India is currently witnessing the highest number of wild tigers in over fifty years, yet they are increasingly facing the threat of a disease typically associated with domestic dogs. In late April and early May 2026, a tigress in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve, along with her four cubs, died in rapid succession, prompting conservationists to await laboratory results to determine the cause.

The prime suspect identified for these fatalities is the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), which is now raising alarms within conservation circles. The spread of this virus among tigers is contributing to a growing conservation crisis, just as India celebrates its tiger population milestone.

Understanding Canine Distemper Virus and Its Impact

Canine Distemper Virus is a highly contagious illness that primarily spreads among dogs through respiratory droplets, saliva, and close contact. This disease was once predominantly a concern for domestic animals, but its emergence within the tiger population of India signals a concerning trend.

As human settlements encroach upon natural habitats, the overlap between villages and tiger reserves has created pathways for the virus to travel. Tigers are thought to contract CDV through interactions with infected animals; stray dogs near the peripheries of villages are considered a significant risk factor. Infected dogs may be consumed by tigers, or the virus could spread through the consumption of another carnivore that has encountered an infected dog.

However, scientific research indicates that domestic dogs may not be the only source of CDV transmission. A study conducted in 2020 suggested that other local wildlife could also play a significant role in spreading the virus to tigers.

Consequences of CDV on Tiger Behaviour and Survival

The effect of CDV on tigers is severe and often fatal, with no available treatment currently. Upon infection, the virus targets the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems before advancing to the central nervous system. Infected tigers may display erratic behaviour, with symptoms including a lack of fear and diminished aggressive responses.

In extreme cases, affected tigers can be seen staggering through their habitats, appearing disoriented and struggling to maintain normal coordination. Neurological manifestations of CDV usually lead to death, making it difficult to observe clear signs of infection, unlike other forms of mortality such as poaching or territorial disputes.

Furthermore, the elusive nature of CDV means that sick tigers often retreat deep into the forest before succumbing to the illness, which complicates detection and intervention efforts. In areas with high tiger populations, the risk of infection can swiftly escalate within social groups before the presence of the disease is even recognised.

Future Challenges for Tiger Conservation in India

The latest tiger census in India, conducted in 2022, estimated approximately 3,682 wild tigers, which represent about 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population. This notable achievement faces jeopardy due to the spread of CDV, amid concerns over human encroachment and habitat fragmentation.

The situation is particularly acute in Madhya Pradesh, which has the highest density of tigers in India. The state recorded 55 tiger deaths in 2025, marking the highest annual toll since the inception of Project Tiger in 1973. By early May 2026, 28 tiger deaths had already been documented, with causes ranging from accidents and poaching to disease.

Addressing the challenges posed by CDV remains complex, as effectively monitoring and treating wild tigers in their dense habitats is not feasible. As a result, preventive measures become the focal point, with forestry departments enhancing testing and surveillance at reserve boundaries. Additionally, initiatives to vaccinate village dogs are underway to curtail potential transmissions from dogs to tigers.

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