Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to protect tiger reserves from the deadly virus. While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) over recent tiger deaths in Kanha Tiger Reserve, the court asked authorities to stay alert, strengthen disease monitoring, and provide CDV vaccination whenever required to safeguard India’s tiger population.
Details of MP High Court Canine Distemper Virus Vaccination Ruling
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, led by Justice Anand Pathak and Justice B.P. Singh directed the state government to maintain strict vigilance across all tiger reserves.
The bench said that authorities should conduct vaccination drives whenever necessary so that tigers are protected from disease outbreaks such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
Why Was the PIL Filed
The PIL was filed after several tiger deaths in Kanha Tiger Reserve raised concerns over wildlife protection. According to the petition, CDV, a highly contagious viral disease that affects carnivorous animals, may have contributed to the deaths. The petition also claimed that authorities failed to fully implement disease surveillance, veterinary care, wildlife monitoring, and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines.
MP High Court Canine Distemper Virus Vaccination Ruling: State Government’s Response
During the hearing, the Madhya Pradesh government informed the court that:
- More than 2,000 stray dogs around Kanha Tiger Reserve have been vaccinated to reduce the risk of CDV spreading to wild animals.
- Forest officials are closely monitoring tiger movement.
- Preventive measures are being taken to stop the spread of the virus.
Court Also Raises Wildlife Management Concerns
The petitioner argued that tiger reserves need:
- More wildlife veterinarians.
- Better disease surveillance systems.
- Adequate trained staff.
- Higher financial support from the Central Government.
- Strict implementation of Supreme Court directions related to forest and wildlife conservation.
The petition highlighted that Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “Tiger State,” must strengthen protection across all its tiger reserves.
What Is Canine Distemper Virus
Canine Distemper Virus is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects dogs but can also infect wild carnivores, including tigers, leopards, foxes, and other big cats. The virus spreads through close contact and infected body fluids. Wildlife experts consider CDV a serious threat because outbreaks can quickly affect vulnerable tiger populations if preventive measures are not taken.
Next Hearing
The High Court has asked the state to continue implementing preventive measures and listed the matter for August 17, 2026, for further hearing.
