An Asiatic lioness with cubs at Gir Sanctuary. File
| Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji
Ahmedabad
Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Sunday (May 31, 2026) said no Asiatic lion deaths linked to the viral infection reported in parts of the Gir landscape had been recorded in the last three days, following intensive monitoring and treatment measures by the Forest Department.
The statement comes days after eight lion cubs died due to the infection, prompting authorities to launch heightened surveillance and veterinary intervention across affected areas. According to sources, 17 other lions have been infected.
Mr. Modhwadia visited Gir on Sunday (May 31) to review the situation on the ground. He inspected the Jamwala Rescue Centre, the Babariya forest area and Jasadhar Animal Care Centre, and held meetings with senior forest officials and veterinary teams overseeing treatment and monitoring efforts.
After reviewing the situation, the Minister said the outbreak was under control and attributed the improvement to timely action by the Forest Department and veterinary staff.
He said, “Special teams comprising forest personnel, veterinarians, and field staff are continuing round-the-clock surveillance as a precautionary measure. The teams are monitoring lion movements and health conditions and providing medical assistance wherever necessary.”
The Minister said the State Government remained committed to the conservation of Asiatic lions and was closely monitoring developments. “The safety and conservation of Asiatic lions is our highest priority,” he said.
Mr. Modhwadia also lauded the efforts of forest officials, veterinarians and frontline staff who have been working continuously to contain the infection and safeguard the lion population in Gir.
“In the suspected Babesia-related cases, eight cub deaths have come to light,” Mr. Modhwadia had said on Friday (May 29).
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.
Published – May 31, 2026 05:44 pm IST
