7 lions die in Gujarat’s Gir forest, 17 isolated amid viral infection scare

Seven Asiatic lions, including four cubs, have died in different areas of the Gir forest region in Gujarat due to suspected infection, while 17 big cats have been isolated, officials said.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting over the development on Wednesday (May 27), a PTI report said on Thursday.

Four lion cubs have died in different areas of the Gir forest region, and 17 (adult) lions are being isolated and taken care of, an official release stated, citing the details shared by Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, Vinod Rao, with the chief minister at the meeting held in Gandhinagar, as per the news agency report.

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However, media reports said three more adult lions had died taking the toll to seven in the last 10 days.

Safety measures

Rao informed that all the lions within a radius of 10 km of Gir Gadhada and Babaria areas are being monitored intensively, and no other symptoms of disease have been detected in them.

"All the lions in the Mahsuli area of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts are also being monitored intensively by the Forest Department, and daily reports are being received.

"As part of the safety measures against such seasonal diseases seen at the beginning of summer, the de-ticking and other health measures are being taken for more than 350 lions in the Gir area," the release stated.

Specialist doctors from Junagadh Veterinary College have also joined this operation, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh.

Samples sent for examination

State forest minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Thursday that samples of lion cubs that were found dead from suspected infection have been sent for examination and the results are awaited.

"Currently, doctors from Junagadh Veterinary College, working in collaboration with frontline staff, have isolated the lions within the 10-kilometer zone to prevent the potential spread of any virus," Modhwadia said in a video message.

Based on the observed symptoms, appropriate medical treatment and necessary measures are already underway, Modhwadia said.

Guidance was being received directly from the Prime Minister's Office, with CM Patel convening a meeting with high-ranking officials to issue essential directives, he said.

"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.

Babesia virus spreads through ticks and can cause weakness, coughing and nasal discharge in affected animals.

Earlier, 11 lions had died in Gujarat within a month in 2018 due to a combination of canine distemper virus and protozoal infection.

The 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.

(With agency inputs)