In a proactive step to protect wildlife health, management of Pench Tiger Reserve has launched a comprehensive vaccination campaign in buffer-zone villages of Seoni and Chhindwara districts to prevent the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). As part of the campaign, field staff of the reserve have identified nearly 1,500 pet and stray dogs in the buffer areas for vaccination and monitoring. The drive commenced on May 31, 2026, in Turia and Sawangi villages of Seoni district and Kumbhpani village of Chhindwara district. The initiative follows alerts and guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) after reports of canine distemper infections in some tiger reserves across the country.

 

The authority has directed all tiger reserves to take preventive and control measures to safeguard wildlife from the disease. Acting on these directives, Pench Tiger Reserve authorities have undertaken the vaccination campaign as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential transmission of the virus from domestic and stray dogs to wild carnivores and other wildlife species inhabiting the reserve. Officials have also appealed to local residents to remain vigilant and immediately inform forest department staff or the nearest forest officer if they observe symptoms of canine distemper in dogs. These symptoms include discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, abnormal behaviour, seizures (fits), continuous circling, or other unusual activities.

 

The vaccination drive will be expanded in a phased manner to other identified buffer villages in the coming days with the support of forest field staff, veterinary teams, and local communities. The initiative is aimed at strengthening wildlife disease surveillance and ensuring the long-term health and safety of wildlife in and around Pench Tiger Reserve.