Tragic Loss: 4 Rescued Tiger Cubs Succumb to Suspected Viral Infection at Karnataka Conservation Center

The three tiger cubs passed away on December 5, 7, and 9 (Representational)

Mysuru:

Four tiger cubs that were rescued by the Forest Department during the previous month have died at a rescue and rehabilitation facility located on the outskirts of the city, according to officials on Wednesday.

Officials reported that a tigress and her four cubs, approximately four months old, were captured near Gowdanakatte village in Hunsur taluk after they were observed wandering along the forest boundaries in the district.

The mother tigress was trapped and transported to the Chamundi Animal Conservation, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Koorgalli on the periphery of Mysuru on November 27.

Her cubs were successfully captured three days later on November 30 and moved to the same facility, where they remained under observation, an official stated. Unfortunately, one of the cubs died on December 1.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the cub may have died from starvation and is also suspected to have developed respiratory and cardiovascular complications, according to the official.

The remaining three cubs died on December 5, 7, and 9. Officials believe all three likely contracted a viral infection, possibly Feline panleukopenia.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and severe viral disease affecting cats and kittens, primarily targeting rapidly dividing cells in the digestive tract, bone marrow, lymphatic tissue, and developing nervous system.

The mother tigress remains in good health but continues to be monitored, they added.

Viscera samples from the cubs have been sent to a veterinary laboratory in Bengaluru to determine the exact cause of death, with results still pending, officials confirmed.