Ahmedabad: Fifteen Asiatic lions have been placed under observation following the death of five, including two cubs, due to the Babesia infection, with the current outbreak being the third over the past eight years.In the first significant outbreak, which occurred in 2018, a combination of the canine distemper virus (CDV) and Babesia killed 11 lions.In 2020, several lion deaths were recorded, including some suspected to be linked to Babesia.Forest department officials said that in the current circumstances, an intensive drive has been launched to assess the extent of the infection, during which the 15 lions were isolated as suspected cases.“The lions have been isolated in three areas. At present, the preliminary report indicates that there is no CDV,” said Jaipal Singh, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife). He said samples are being tested at the Junagadh Veterinary College and may be sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre if required.A senior forest department officer said that teams have been instructed to check on lions in their beats and report any problems immediately to senior officers. Preliminary tests conducted at Sasan for CDV were negative, officials said.“The department has set up a CDV-testing facility, and all suspected deaths are subjected to scrutiny,” a senior officer said.Officials described Babesia as a tick-borne parasitic disease affecting animals. Sources said ticks may proliferate due to the improper disposal and skinning of cattle carcasses and a growing stray dog population in the region.Rising temperatures are also believed to increase tick activity.As a preventive measure, large-scale deworming and tick-control treatment has been carried out on around 350 lions in the Tulsishyam, Khambha, and Dhari ranges.Chief minister Bhupendra Patel has been informed about the lion deaths, and that some lions have been isolated for care, according to Vinod Rao, principal secretary, forests and environment.Officials said intensive monitoring is being conducted on all lions within a 10-km radius of the Gir-Gadhada and Babariya areas, and no signs of other diseases have been observed.In the revenue areas of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, the forest department is conducting inspections of all lions and obtaining daily reports.
