Unique surveillance programme launched in Indonesia

Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been confirmed as one of a range of emerging pathogens threatening tigers. The world's first tiger disease surveillance programme is being launched in Indonesia to combat the issue.

According to British charity Wildlife Vets International (WVI), a worrying symptom of CDV is that tigers appear to lose all fear of man, leaving them vulnerable to poachers and increasing human-tiger conflicts.

At least three Amur (Siberian) tigers are reported to have died from CDV in recent years, and studies of both the Amur tiger and Amur leopard have confirmed that many more have been exposed to the virus.

Reports of abnormal tiger behaviour have come from Russia, including tigers entering villages seemingly unfazed by their surroundings, or stalling traffic on major roadways. It is believed this behaviour could be indicative of CDV.

Dr John Lewis, co-founder of WVI, fears disease could be catastrophic for the already dwindling tiger population. Following talks with Indonesian vets and officials, Dr Lewis will return to Sumatra in September to launch the surveillance programme.

He says: "We need to find out how these cats are catching distemper, identify how and where they come into contact with domestic dogs (which are the most likely virus source), and determine how best to tackle the problem. Otherwise we could lose even more of our vulnerable big cats."

In order to combat CDV, Dr Lewis has been invited to join forces with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Russian Institute of Biology and Soil, along with Martin Gilbert from Glasgow University. 

Image: Sumatran tiger at Wildlife Heritage Foundation. Credit: Frank Reid