Chandrapur: Maharashtra's chief wildlife warden has directed field directors of all tiger reserves across the state to launch mass vaccination drives for domestic and stray dogs in villages surrounding tiger reserves after the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) flagged canine distemper virus (CDV) as a serious threat to wild carnivores following a recent tiger family wipeout in Madhya Pradesh.
NTCA Advisory and CDV Threat
The NTCA advisory, issued on May 5, was prompted by the confirmed CDV-linked deaths of a tigress and her four sub-adult cubs within nine days at Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The virus, spread primarily through domestic and feral dogs, does not always kill tigers directly but suppresses immunity and leaves animals, particularly cubs and sub-adults, vulnerable to fatal secondary infections.
Statewide Directive Issued
Acting on the advisory, chief wildlife warden and principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) M Srinivasa Reddy issued a statewide directive the same day, ordering field directors to establish vaccination buffers around tiger reserves, buffer zones, fringe settlements and tourism corridors. Each tiger reserve has been asked to prepare village-wise vaccination plans listing estimated dog populations, vaccination dates, veterinary officer in charge and follow-up schedules.
Coordination and Monitoring
Reserve authorities have been directed to coordinate with the Animal Husbandry Department, gram panchayats and zilla parishads for vaccination and health monitoring of dogs. Movement of domestic and stray dogs into tiger reserves, protection camps and tourism routes is to be monitored and restricted as far as possible. Frontline staff, including forest guards, foresters and protection camp personnel, are to be trained to identify early signs of the disease in wild animals and dogs.
Reporting Requirements
A detailed action taken report is due within 15 days, followed by monthly compliance updates to enable consolidated reporting to NTCA. This proactive measure aims to prevent further outbreaks and protect the state's tiger population from the deadly canine distemper virus.
