The large cats died across two locations between Feb. 8 and Feb. 19, according to a report by the Protected Area Regional Office 16

NEED TO KNOW

• Over 70 tigers died at wildlife parks in Thailand between Feb. 8 and Feb. 19
• Preliminary tests suggest a deadly virus outbreak caused the fatalities
• Tiger Kingdom Mae Taeng and Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim have temporarily closed to the public amid the ongoing investigation into the deaths

Authorities in Thailand are investigating the source of a deadly virus outbreak after 72 captive tigers died at wildlife parks in the northern province of Chiang Mai.

Between Feb. 8 and 19, 51 large cats died at Tiger Kingdom Mae Taeng and 21 others at Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim, The Nation reported, citing a report by Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai). Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim has announced a temporary 14-day closure amid the unusual deaths.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University is analyzing samples taken from the tiger carcasses and feed amid an ongoing investigation, per the outlet. The deceased tigers have tested positive for canine distemper virus (CDV) and mycoplasma bacteria. Co-infection can lead to complications, which may have contributed to their deaths. 

Feline parvovirus was also said to be present in preliminary tests by livestock officials. The source of the pathogens is yet to be confirmed, but raw chicken meat supplied by a private farm to the two facilities is currently the main suspect, according to the Bangkok Post.

The dead tigers have each been buried with an identification number for any future reference, the Bangkok Post reported, citing Kritsayam Kongsatree, director of Conservation Area Management Region 16.

Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, which is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Ltd, had 246 tigers before the largest mass death of tigers on record occurred, according to the outlet.

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Officials at the wildlife parks allege that the animals showed no signs of illness before their deaths, per the Bangkok Post.

Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, has ordered the animal enclosures to be thoroughly cleaned and the remaining live tigers to be quarantined until they are vaccinated to reduce the risk of spreading the virus further, The Nation reported. 

“Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats,” said Ratanamungklanon, per The Independent. “Dogs and cats live closely with us, so when they show symptoms, we can respond and provide treatment right away.

"Tigers, however, aren’t living closely with humans. By the time we notice that something is wrong, the illness may already be advanced," Ratanamungklanon concluded.

A representative from Tiger Kingdom did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Monday, Feb. 23.

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