Madhya Pradesh races to vaccinate dogs after deadly tiger deaths from distemper

Wildlife authorities in Madhya Pradesh are racing to vaccinate stray dogs near tiger reserves. The urgent move follows a deadly outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) in Kanha Tiger Reserve. The disease has already claimed the lives of a tigress and her four cubs in recent weeks. The crisis began when CDV spread from infected dogs to tigers in Kanha. Stray dogs feeding on tiger-killed prey left behind virus-laden saliva, exposing the big cats. Tigers returning to carcasses later contracted the disease.

Authorities have now ordered all national parks and tiger reserves in the state to vaccinate dogs in surrounding villages. Panna Tiger Reserve has launched a large-scale campaign, while Satpura Tiger Reserve, previously focused on cattle, has shifted efforts to dog immunisation.

Kuno National Park is also taking precautions by vaccinating dogs near its boundaries. The measure aims to protect not only tigers but also the park’s reintroduced cheetahs from potential CDV transmission. The vaccination drive covers every major protected area in Madhya Pradesh. By targeting stray dogs, officials hope to cut off the virus’s path to endangered wildlife. The effort comes too late for Kanha’s lost tigers but may prevent further deaths in other reserves.