Gandhinagar, May 31: The Gujarat Forest Department has intensified disease control measures following the deaths of Asian lions in the Gir region. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced on Sunday that approximately 500 Asian lions have been administered deworming medication in response to suspected infections.
Modhwadia stated that a special campaign is underway to monitor the health of the lions and prevent the spread of disease. The department is closely monitoring affected areas and implementing necessary treatment and preventive measures.
He conducted an on-ground review at the Jamwala Rescue Center, Babaria Jungle Area, and Jasadhar Animal Care Center, where veterinary teams are observing lions showing symptoms of illness.
Currently, 17 lions are under observation in various locations, and there have been no new infection-related deaths reported in the last three days.
Modhwadia confirmed that veterinary teams are actively working, and the deworming process for nearly 500 lions has been completed. He added that lions and their prides in surrounding areas are also being monitored as a precaution.
According to the minister, forest officials began implementing rescue measures on May 19. Although the outbreak was identified on the 28th, necessary precautions were already in place from the 19th. Thanks to these efforts, the situation is now reportedly under control.
The minister noted that eight lions had previously died due to this suspected illness, but no additional deaths have occurred in the past three days.
The fatalities were reported from areas outside the protected Gir Sanctuary, particularly in Gir Somnath district’s Gir Gadhda and Amreli district’s Babaria region.
Forest officials have isolated lions within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected areas and initiated extensive anti-tick and surveillance operations while awaiting lab results.
Samples collected from the affected animals have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center for confirmation of the cause.
Veterinary experts from Junagadh Veterinary College and specialists from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute are assisting in the investigation and treatment efforts.
Initial investigations suggest the presence of Babesiosis, a parasitic disease that attacks red blood cells, causing weakness, breathing difficulties, and severe illness in animals.
Wildlife authorities are closely monitoring the situation, recalling a significant outbreak in 2018 when a combination of canine distemper virus and Babesia infection led to increased lion fatalities.
Recent reports have raised concerns about the potential recurrence of this combination, although official lab confirmation is still pending.
Expressing concern, Modhwadia stated that there is currently no cause for alarm and credited forest officials, veterinarians, and field staff for their swift actions.
He emphasized that the expertise of the forest department’s officials and staff can guide not only India but the entire world. Additionally, a team from IVRI has joined to assist, and there is no cause for concern in the current situation.
The minister praised the efforts of forest staff working around the clock to ensure animal safety.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the conservation of Asian lions, whose population reached 891 according to the recent state census conducted in 2025. This species is found only in the wild in Gujarat and has spread to several districts in the Saurashtra region beyond Gir.
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