, Feb. 22 -- Officials in northern Thailand are working urgently to control a disease outbreak that has killed 72 captive tigers in Chiang Mai this month.

The animals, housed in facilities across the region, began showing symptoms earlier in February. Authorities have since launched emergency measures, including disinfecting enclosures and preparing vaccinations for the remaining tigers.

While the precise cause of death remains under review, a statement from the Chiang Mai Region 5 Livestock Office said the tigers were infected with canine distemper virus, with mycoplasma bacteria identified as a secondary infection. However, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development under Thailand's agricult...