Forest authorities at Sariska Tiger Reserve have intensified surveillance and monitoring efforts after concerns emerged regarding the possible spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a highly dangerous and potentially fatal infection that can spread from dogs to wild carnivores, including tigers.
Officials said the virus, which is commonly found among stray and domestic dogs, poses a serious threat to Sariska’s growing tiger population. In response, the forest department has begun preparations for a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting dogs living within and around tiger habitats.
Authorities believe preventive action is essential because tigers, despite being apex predators, remain vulnerable to infectious diseases transmitted through interaction with infected animals such as dogs.
According to forest officials, the vaccination drive will include both stray dogs roaming inside tiger territories and domestic dogs living in villages located near forest zones.
Under the proposed vaccination plan, puppies will reportedly receive doses at six weeks, nine weeks, and 12 weeks of age, followed by annual booster vaccinations to maintain immunity against the virus.
Forest authorities also stated that infected or suspected dogs would be identified and isolated to minimise contact between domestic animals and wildlife populations.
At present, Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to approximately 52 tigers, reflecting a steady increase in the reserve’s tiger population over recent years due to conservation and relocation efforts.
Given this population growth, officials fear that even a limited outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus among tigers could have devastating consequences for conservation efforts inside the reserve.
To strengthen disease surveillance and wildlife monitoring, authorities have reportedly installed more than 400 camera traps at various locations throughout the reserve. These devices are being used to monitor animal movement patterns, identify the presence of stray dogs inside tiger territories, and detect potential health risks to wildlife.
Sangram Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests, stated that procurement of vaccines is currently underway and that the vaccination process would begin shortly.
According to Singh, all dogs moving inside tiger territories will be vaccinated under the campaign. He further clarified that dogs residing in villages located within forest regions would also be included in the programme.
Authorities have additionally introduced precautionary measures around water bodies frequently visited by tigers. Forest teams have reportedly been instructed to ensure that dogs are prevented from approaching ponds, streams, and other water sources commonly used by the big cats.
Officials also stated that field teams and forest staff have been sensitised to immediately identify and report any signs or symptoms of Canine Distemper Virus among dogs or wildlifetoo enable rapid response measures.
Canine Distemper Virus has long been considered a major concern in wildlife conservation globally because of its ability to spread from domestic dogs to wild carnivores such as lions, leopards, wolves, and tigers.
Several wildlife reserves across the world have previously witnessed outbreaks affecting endangered carnivore populations, leading conservationists to treat the disease as a serious ecological threat.
Forest officials in Sariska now fear that any outbreak among the reserve’s tiger population could severely impact ongoing conservation gains achieved over the past several years.
For that reason, authorities are focusing heavily on preventive containment, vaccination,n and surveillance measures in an effort to protect Sariska’s growing tiger population from a potentially catastrophic disease outbreak.
