More than 10 days after a series of lion deaths shocked the Gir landscape, the Gujarat government is still waiting for laboratory confirmation on what caused the deaths of the state’s prized Asiatic lions.
At least 13 lions, including 10 cubs, have died in the past 10 days in parts of the Somnath and Amreli districts. Initially, the forest department suspected babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease. However, wildlife experts and conservationists now fear that the deaths may involve a more serious combination of babesiosis and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
Experts have raised concerns that the delay in identifying the exact cause could increase the risk of the outbreak spreading further. The situation has also raised questions about wildlife disease monitoring and the state’s preparedness to handle such outbreaks.
Speaking on the issue, Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said that findings from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) are expected within a day or two. He added that the laboratory is examining all possible causes of the deaths. However, the minister declined to specify the likely cause, saying that authorities cannot confirm anything until the reports are received.
The GBRC, a key laboratory under the Gujarat Council of Science and Technology, is conducting the analysis internally instead of sending samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. Sources noted that in previous public health situations, including Covid-19 and the Chandipura virus outbreak, GBRC played an important role in providing early responses. Still, some conservationists have questioned the pace at which preliminary findings are being communicated.
The lack of official clarity has alarmed wildlife experts, particularly because around 117 lions have reportedly been quarantined at Jasadhar. Authorities have also isolated lions within a 10-kilometre radius of the affected areas as a precautionary measure.
Environmentalists monitoring developments in Gir have questioned the purpose of the quarantine if the exact cause of the deaths is still unknown. They argue that uncertainty over the disease is creating concern among conservation groups.
Experts further pointed out that babesiosis alone rarely causes sudden mass fatalities. The disease generally weakens lions by attacking red blood cells and suppressing their immunity. However, if lions weakened by babesiosis are simultaneously exposed to CDV, the mortality rate can increase sharply.
Another major concern raised by experts is Gujarat’s veterinary infrastructure. The veterinary facility at Sasan is reportedly equipped to conduct preliminary screening tests such as ELISA, which can detect antibodies within days of infection. However, the forest department has not clarified whether such screening tests were conducted before samples were sent to GBRC for detailed examination.
As officials await the final laboratory report, experts continue to stress the need for quick diagnosis and clear communication to prevent further risks to Gir’s lion population.
Also Read: Five Lions Died In Gujarat’s Gir Forest, Govt. Says No Disease Outbreak https://www.vibesofindia.com/five-lions-died-in-gujarats-gir-forest-govt-says-no-disease-outbreak/
