New Delhi: Days after the suspected outbreak of Babesia, a tick-borne parasite that destroys red blood cells, in Gujarat’s Gir, the lion death count in the park has now climbed to seven. Forest department officials said that four cubs and three adult lions have died in the last 10 days, and 17 animals are currently under isolation.
“Four cubs have died of an infection, which could be Babesia. The adult lions probably died of natural causes,” an official said.
Officials said that the state’s forest department has heightened security and veterinary checks.
On Tuesday, Gujarat’s forest minister Arjun Modhwadia said that over the last week, five lions have died in the Gir East and Gir West forest divisions. However, a senior forest official told ThePrint on Wednesday that out of these, only the deaths of two cubs are suspected to have been caused by Babesia infections.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, a pride of 17 lions was rescued and isolated in a dedicated centre. These lions showed initial symptoms, but are currently under strict monitoring for deterioration. As a preventive measure, the department has also initiated deworming and tick-control treatments.
“Samples from all the dead lions have been sent for examination. Meanwhile, we are also keeping a close watch on all the lions across the park. We are also rescuing and relocating lions that could be vulnerable,” the official said.
‘Situation under control’
Forest officials said that teams from the department are conducting 24×7 monitoring of Jasadhar, Jamwala, Sarasiya, and Babaria, which fall on the outskirts of the park. Any lion showing physical symptoms will be immediately isolated, and blood samples will be collected for testing.
Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic infection that infects an animal’s red blood cells. A severe case can prove fatal for lions.
The Babesia infection is not new to the Gir National Park, home to around 891 Asiatic lions. In 2018, an outbreak led to the death of around 11 lions. The deaths were traced to a combination of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Babesia.
“The situation is completely under control, and there is no need to panic. This exercise is being carried out as a preventive measure,” the forest official added.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
Also read: The ‘third eye’ exists. It’s hidden in the brain, say Sussex scientists