An Asiatic lion surveys the lands in Gir Sanctuary.
| Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji
AhmedabadThe Gujarat Forest Department has intensified disease-control measures in and around the Gir landscape after eight lion cubs died from suspected Babesia infection in Gir Somnath and Amreli districts. Authorities have isolated lions within a 10-km radius of the affected areas and launched large-scale tick-removal operations.Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Friday (May 29, 2026) that the suspected infection had been reported from revenue areas outside the Gir sanctuary, particularly in Gir Gadhada in Gir Somnath district and Babra Kot in Amreli district.“In the suspected Babesia-related cases, eight cub deaths have come to light,” Mr. Modhwadia said.Babesia is a parasitic disease transmitted through ticks and can cause weakness, fever, coughing and nasal discharge in infected animals. Officials said the infection is being treated as a potential threat because of the possibility of rapid transmission among lions in the open forest and adjoining revenue areas.The deaths triggered a series of containment measures by the Forest Department, including isolation of lions in the affected zones, medical surveillance and emergency rescue preparedness at the lion hospital in Sasan.“Currently, doctors from Junagadh Veterinary College, working in collaboration with frontline staff, have isolated the lions within the 10-kilometre zone to prevent the potential spread of any virus,” Mr. Modhwadia said.Veterinary teams have collected samples from the dead cubs and sent them to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre for examination. The reports are expected within the next three to four days and are likely to confirm whether the deaths were caused by Babesia infection.Officials said no fresh deaths linked to the suspected infection had been reported over the last two days.The issue was reviewed at a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday (May 27, 2026). During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that four lion cubs had died due to suspected infection and 17 lions had been isolated as a preventive measure in view of the possible spread of disease.According to Mr. Modhwadia, guidance was also being received directly from the Prime Minister’s Office, while senior officials were directed to ensure all preventive and medical arrangements were in place.“As the deaths are most likely due to Babesia infection, which is transmitted by ticks, tick-removal operations are being conducted both within Gir Sanctuary and in surrounding areas, alongside the implementation of other necessary precautionary measures,” the minister said.The Forest Department said none of the lions currently admitted to the lion hospital at Sasan had shown signs of infection. However, it added that all emergency protocols had been activated in anticipation of any escalation.“Medical and logistical arrangements have been strengthened at the hospital. If any lion is found affected by Babesia, a fleet is ready to rescue it on an immediate basis,” the department said in a statement.Officials said cages, nets, rescue vehicles and other equipment had been kept ready for rapid response operations. Tranquiliser guns and dosage protocols had also been prepared to safely capture and transport infected lions for treatment.“The latest equipment is available in the hospital’s advanced lab for reporting and diagnosis of the lion,” the department said.Earlier this week, Mr. Modhwadia had stated that two lion cubs had died due to suspected Babesia infection, while three other lions had died separately due to natural causes and infighting.The latest deaths have revived concerns over disease outbreaks among Asiatic lions in Gujarat. In 2018, 11 lions died within a month due to a combination of canine distemper virus and protozoal infection, prompting extensive disease-monitoring measures in the Gir landscape.The Gir forest and surrounding regions are the world’s only natural habitat of Asiatic lions. According to the last census conducted in 2025, Gujarat has a population of 891 Asiatic lions spread across Gir and adjoining districts. Published - May 29, 2026 07:15 pm IST
