Thai Tiger Deaths Reveal Gaps in Animal Disease Oversight—Why America Must Stay Vigilant

In northern Thailand, a troubling outbreak claimed the lives of 72 majestic tigers at two popular tourist parks between February 8 and 18. Thai authorities have confirmed that the cause was canine distemper virus (CDV), an infectious disease primarily affecting dogs and felines—not the feared avian influenza or bird flu that has caused outbreaks across Asia. While this may seem like a regional issue far from American shores, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities in international animal health surveillance that could quickly ripple into American communities. Are We Truly Safe From Diseases Crossing Borders? The official...