India, May 23 -- The Rajasthan forest department has intensified surveillance and preventive measures across tiger reserves following the death of five tigers due to canine distemper virus (CDV) in Kanha Tiger Reserve, amid fears that the infection could spread to protected forests in the state. A senior forest official said the department has initiated multiple precautionary steps in and around tiger habitats, particularly in Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park, which together are home to more than 100 tigers. "We are sanitising villages, ordering vaccines and ensuring sanitary measures are adopted. Meetings with district collectors and officials of other departments are being held regularly. Workshops are being organised for staff and villagers to create awareness," the official said. He added that forest teams have been instructed to closely monitor water holes and movement areas of wild animals so that any sick, dead or dying animal can be spotted immediately. "Sanitary measures at zoos are also being ensured ," he said. Following the deaths, the National Tiger Conservation Authority has issued a fresh advisory to all tiger-range states, directing them to strengthen disease surveillance and preventive measures. HTC...