Around 500 Asiatic lions in the Gir landscape have received deworming treatment as Gujarat’s Forest Department steps up disease-control efforts following suspected infection-related lion deaths. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia confirmed this after inspecting affected areas. Veterinary teams are closely monitoring 17 lions at various facilities, with no new deaths reported in the past three days.
Preventive measures, including deworming, have been completed for the lions, and surrounding lion prides are also under observation as a precaution. The Forest Department initiated these measures on May 19, before the issue officially surfaced on May 28. Despite eight previous lion deaths linked to the illness, there have been no additional deaths in the last three days.
The affected lion deaths occurred outside the Gir sanctuary, specifically in Gir Gadhada and Babariya regions. Forest authorities have isolated lions within a 10-kilometre radius of these areas and are conducting anti-tick and surveillance operations while awaiting lab results. Samples from affected lions have been sent for confirmation to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.
Experts suspect babesiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting red blood cells, as the cause. The situation has raised concerns of a recurrence of the 2018 outbreak involving Canine Distemper Virus and Babesia infection. However, official confirmation is pending. Forest Minister Modhwadia reassured the public, stating there is no current cause for alarm and commended the swift response of officials and veterinarians.
