Eight lions die from infectious virus in Gujarat, team of expert doctors deployed

New Delhi: Suspicious lion deaths in Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary and surrounding revenue areas have raised concerns. A total of eight lions have died so far, most of them cubs. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, speaking in Gandhinagar, stated that the situation is completely under control. He added that no new deaths have been reported in the past two days. Forest department teams and experienced veterinarians are continuously monitoring the situation. These incidents occurred in Girgadhada taluka and the Babaria area of ​​Amreli.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of these deaths is a virus called Babesiosis, which is spread by ticks. In light of this, the Forest Department has immediately sent samples of the dead lion cubs to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC). The report is expected in the next three to four days. Expert doctors from the Junagadh Veterinary College have also been involved in the investigation. Lions living within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected area have been isolated and quarantined.

Death of lion cubs in Gir sparks panic
The Forest Department is carrying out a massive tick-killing campaign in Gir and surrounding areas. This campaign is continuing on a war footing to prevent the spread of the infection. Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that the government is concerned about the deaths over the past week, but the actual cause will only be clear after reports are received.

The Prime Minister’s Office and the Chief Minister’s Office are also monitoring the situation.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his office are closely monitoring the situation. The Prime Minister’s Office is also monitoring the situation. The Forest Minister stated that vaccination and other precautionary measures are being taken wherever necessary. He assured the public that the government is fully committed to the conservation and protection of Asiatic lions and that there is no cause for concern at this time.