Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Forest Department has intensified surveillance and preventive measures following the suspicious deaths of eight lion cubs in revenue areas outside the Gir Sanctuary, particularly in Girgadhda taluka and the Babaria region of Amreli district. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Friday said the situation is now completely under control and no new such incident has been reported in the past two days.

Addressing the media in Gandhinagar, Modhwadia said teams of forest officials and experienced veterinary experts were immediately deployed to the affected sites after the deaths were reported. Preliminary assessments indicate that the lion cubs may have succumbed to babesiosis, a disease caused by a parasite transmitted through ticks. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after laboratory test results are received.

The minister said samples collected from the deceased cubs have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) for detailed analysis, with reports expected within the next three to four days. Experts from Junagadh Veterinary College have also joined the investigation and monitoring efforts.

Watch | Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia's Statement on Deaths of 8 Lion Cubs linked to suspected Babesia infection in Girgadhda and Babarkot areas pic.twitter.com/BZVMai9cEm

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As a precautionary measure, lions residing within a 10-km radius of the affected area have been isolated and placed under close observation. The Forest Department has also intensified large-scale de-ticking operations across Gir and adjoining areas to prevent the spread of the disease through ticks.

Providing details of the recent fatalities, Modhwadia said eight lion cubs have died under suspicious circumstances during the past week. He reiterated that the actual cause of death would only be established after the medical reports are received.

The minister further stated that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his office are directly monitoring the situation. He added that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also keeping a close watch on developments and providing necessary guidance to the state government.

“All required preventive measures, including vaccination wherever necessary, are being implemented in a systematic manner,” Modhwadia said.

Assuring citizens and wildlife enthusiasts, the minister said the state government remains fully committed to the conservation and protection of Asiatic lions and that there is currently no cause for concern. DeshGujarat