Panna Tiger Reserve

Nov. 17, 2024

Mass vaccination of stray dogs in and around Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh has begun amid the threat of the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection in the wild animals of the PTR.

About Panna Tiger Reserve:

  • Location: It is a critical tiger habitat located in the Vindhya mountain rangein the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Standing over an area of 542 sq.km., it is the only Tiger Reserve in the entire Bundelkhand region.
  • It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994. 
  • Landscape:
    • It is characterized with a 'Table Top' topography.
    • It consists of extensive plateaus and gorges.
  • RiverKen Riverflows from south to north through the reserve.
  • The reserve is also dotted with two-thousand-year-old rock paintings.
  • Flora:
    • The dominant vegetation type is dry deciduous forest interspersed with grassland areas.
    • In the north, it is surrounded by teak forest, and in the east, it is surrounded by Teak-Kardhai mixed forest. It is the northernmost boundary of natural distribution to teak (Tectona grandis).
    • The tree species Acacia catechu dominates the dry, steep slopes of the plateaus here.
  • Fauna:
    • It supports a sizable population of Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, and Striped Hyena.
    • Other prominent carnivores are Jackal, Wolf, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, and Rusty Spotted Cat.
    • The NE-SW running Vindhya Hill ranges link the eastern and western population of wild animals.

Key Facts about Canine Distemper:

  • It is a contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).
  • The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.
  • All dogs are at risk of canine distemper. Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against CDV.
  • In addition to dogs, CDV can infect ferrets as well as a wide range of other mammals,especially carnivores.
  • Transmission: Infection is transmitted mainly via aerosol droplet secretions from infected animals. Some infected dogs may shed virus particles for several months.
  • Coughingis the most common symptom. They usually develop fever and discharge from the eyes and/or nose.
  • Treatment:
    • There is no cure, and no antiviral drugshave been approved to combat the infection. 
    • The best way to prevent canine distemper is through vaccination.