India, May 17 -- Following the suspected outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) at Kanha Tiger Reserve reported on April 30, 2026, after a tigress and her four cubs reportedly died in the reserve within nine days, the wildlife wing of the Pune forest department has initiated preventive measures by ordering a census of stray dogs in and around protected wildlife areas under its jurisdiction.

The move comes amid rising concern among forest authorities and wildlife experts over the possible transmission of infectious diseases from stray and feral dogs to wild carnivores. Officials said the survey will help the department assess the stray dog population in vulnerable forest zones and formulate disease prevention strategies, including vacci...