AWANG Besul, the tiger caught on Friday by the Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) after it wandered into a village in Dungun, has died from canine distemper.

Perhilitan, in a statement today, said based on a virology report received yesterday, the animal tested positive for the disease.

Canine distemper is a viral disease that normally affects domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, but cases involving wild ones, such as tigers, wolves and foxes, have been reported.

Infected animals lose their predatory streak, making them “tame”.

“Despite various efforts taken to save Awang Besul, the veterinarian said the male tiger died at 5.30am,” said Perhilitan.

“A post-mortem will be conducted immediately.”

Following its capture, the tiger was sent to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Sungkai, Perak, for treatment.

Perhilitan said it does not discount the possibility that Awang Besul had contracted the disease from other wild animals.

“If a tiger contracts the disease, it won’t be ‘afraid’ of people. The chances of its survival are also slim.”

It said it will continue to monitor Kg Besul to ensure residents’ safety, adding that tiger traps have been set up near the village. – July 23, 2019.