Domestic dog virus threatens Asian tigers

Wildlife experts have issued a warning about the risk of a virus from a domestic dog massively killing the Asian tiger.

John Lewis, director of the International Wildlife Organization, said there is now enough evidence that Indonesia's rare Sumatran tiger is threatened by a home-grown virus.

Evidence shows that CDV is extremely dangerous to Sumatran tigers

Dog disease virus (CDV) was first described at the beginning of the 20th century, in the period 30-40 years ago, only affected dogs. However, in the last few decades, this virus has evolved to affect other animal groups. Collected data shows that it has contributed to the death of Tasmanian tigers.

In addition, in recent years, it has changed patterns and can infect marine mammals such as seals and Sumatran tigers.

This virus causes tigers to experience some neurological problems, such as losing fear to people, or having seizures. Dr. Lewis told BBC News: 'The biggest threat of tigers is the loss of habitat and degradation, as well as hunting. But I think the third major threat now is infection, especially CDV infection . '

In the coming September, he will return to Sumatra island, mobilizing all veterinary from all different areas to contact the tiger to remove samples from the domestic dog population, devising strategies to mitigate risk.