Thai authorities confirmed lab results ruled out bird flu after 72 tigers died at the Tiger Kingdom sanctuary, with mycoplasma bacteria and canine distemper virus identified as causes. Deputy Minister Amin Mayusoh stated tests on chicken feed and tiger organs showed no avian influenza traces, dispelling initial fears tied to raw poultry consumption. 71 tigers perished across two sites—21 in Mae Rim and 51 in Mae Taeng—triggering a 14-day facility closure for disinfection and monitoring by Livestock Department officials. Carcasses were disposed of securely to prevent disease spread and illegal trade risks, though the scale of deaths—the largest recorded in a short period—raises concerns about animal welfare practices.