Thailand: Bird flu ruled out in tiger deaths; Nepal investigates child fever deaths

Thai authorities have ruled out bird flu as the cause of death for 72 tigers in Chiang Mai after a mass mortality event triggered biosafety protocols and testing for H5N1. While the tests came back negative, officials are still investigating other potential pathogens or environmental factors that could have caused such a high death toll. In a separate event, a health team in Nepal is investigating the deaths of two children from fever in Baitadi. The team is collecting samples and monitoring the health status of the community to identify the cause of the fever and provide treatment to other residents showing symptoms. ## Latest Update The most recent update comes from Nepal, where a health team has been dispatched to Maharagaun, Baitadi, to investigate the deaths of two children from fever. The team is collecting samples and monitoring the community's health to determine the cause of the fever and provide treatment. ## Timeline * **2026-02-26:** Thai authorities rule out bird flu as the cause of death for 72 tigers in Chiang Mai and continue to investigate other potential causes. * **2026-03-01:** A health team conducts check-ups in Maharagaun, Nepal, after two children die from fever; samples are being collected to determine the cause. ## What to Watch * **Source Identification:** Monitor for updates on the pathogens or environmental factors being investigated in Thailand related to the tiger deaths. * **Fever Outbreak in Nepal:** Watch for updates from Nepal regarding the cause of the children's deaths and whether the fever is spreading within the community. * **Zoonotic Potential:** Pay attention to whether any identified pathogens have zoonotic potential, which could pose a risk to human health.