Regarding the news related to deaths of 8 or more lions due to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Babesiosis, Parimal Nathwani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Director (Corporate Affairs) at Reliance Industries Ltd and renowned Lion enthusiast, has expressed his concerns about the Asiatic Lion.
In letters written to Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Arjun Modhwadia, Minister of Forests, Environment and Climate Change (Gujarat), Nathwani has appealed that emergency healthcare facilities be provided to the lions affected by a virus and to take urgent measures to stop further spreading of any virus.
Nathwani has termed the incident as very disturbing. “However, I have full confidence in the capabilities of the management of Gir National Park and Forest Department of the state government and I am sure that they must be taking all required precautionary measures, taking proper care and working round the clock for controlling further deaths, treating the lions affected by virus and taking measures to check the spread of this contagious virus.”
In his letter, Nathwani said that as the population of Asiatic Lions increases in Gir and Greater Gir areas, so do health-related risks. Contagious diseases like CDV and Babesiosis can pose a serious threat to the lion population. “It is imperative to make observation and reporting systems more effective and robust at the field level for early diagnosis and faster response”, he added.
He also appealed to implement ‘Field Observation Protocol’ for trackers, beat guard, round staff and veterinary team. He also pointed out to the minister that regular observation of lions should be carried out and field staff should report unusual behavior, physical fatigue, respiratory problems, tick menace, instable walking, etc. with immediate effect.
In addition, Nathwani also requested that if more than one lion have similar symptoms then it should be considered as ‘High Alert’ situation and the senior officials and veterinary rapid response team should be informed without any kind of delay. In every suspicious case, record should be maintained about date, time, place, GPS location, number of lions, age, behavior and photographs. Unauthorized handling should be avoided in case of diseased or dead animals and the standard operating system (SOP) must be followed.
As there is a possibility of lions getting infected with CDV through dogs, stressing the long-term action plans, Shri Nathwani also suggested in the letter written to the minister that vaccination of street dogs, regular health checkup, faster lab diagnostic system and field staff training programs should be conducted.
He also added that as diseases like Babesiosis affect the immunity of the lions, there are more chances that lions may get infected by CDV, so risk of both the diseases should be assessed jointly.
