Suspected Babesia Infection Kills Eight Lion Cubs in Gujarat’s Gir Forest
Eight Asiatic lion cubs have died from a suspected Babesia virus infection, spread by ticks, in Gujarat’s Gir forest region. In response, authorities isolated 17 adult lions within a 10-km radius of affected areas in Gir Somnath and Amreli districts. Large-scale de-ticking and health monitoring are underway for over 350 lions, with specialist veterinarians assisting. No new deaths have been reported in three days. The 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat, the world’s only natural habitat for the species.
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Heat, not disease, caused deaths of 8 lion cubs in Gir forest
The Gujarat Forest Minister announced that eight Asiatic lion cubs in Gir forest died from heat-related stress and weakened immunity, not from infectious disease. Earlier suspicions of Babesia infection were ruled out after testing at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. Seventeen lions showing illness were quarantined and treated; 12 have been released into the wild, and five more will follow soon. Preventive measures included deworming and tick-control treatment for about 600 lions in surrounding areas. The deaths occurred in Gir Somnath and Amreli districts, prompting a 10-kilometer radius isolation zone. The minister confirmed no recent lion deaths linked to infectious diseases, though one lioness died from pregnancy complications. Gir forest is the world's only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Cub deaths prompt preventive measures for Asiatic lions in Bhavnagar
Following the deaths of eight lion cubs from suspected Babesia infection in Gujarat's Gir landscape, forest authorities in Bhavnagar district have launched extensive preventive health measures for Asiatic lions. Deputy Conservator of Forests Yogesh Desai stated that no symptoms of the tick-borne disease have been detected locally. During a full-moon patrol, around 50 wild lions were sighted and examined, with 19 already receiving deworming, de-ticking, and preventive treatment; the rest will be covered within 10 days. Forest personnel have been directed to intensify daily foot patrols and monitor lion movement, gait, and behavior, with daily well-being reports reviewed each evening. State Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia noted that lions within a 10-km radius of affected areas have been isolated, and no new suspected cases have emerged in three days. The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat currently stands at 891, occupying nearly 35,000 sq. km.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Cub deaths prompt preventive measures for Asiatic lions in Bhavnagar
Following the deaths of eight lion cubs from suspected Babesia infection in Gujarat's Gir landscape, forest authorities in Bhavnagar district have launched extensive health monitoring for Asiatic lions. Measures include deworming, de-ticking, and intensified field surveillance. Deputy Conservator of Forests Yogesh Desai stated that no symptoms of the tick-borne disease have been detected in Bhavnagar so far. During a full-moon patrol, around 50 lions were sighted and examined, with 19 already treated; the rest will be covered within 10 days. Forest personnel have been directed to intensify daily foot patrols and monitor lion behavior. State Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia noted that lions within a 10-km radius of affected areas have been isolated, and no new suspected cases have emerged in three days. The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat is currently estimated at 891, spanning nearly 35,000 sq. km.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Eight Lion Cubs Die in Suspected Babesia Infection in Gujarat
The Gujarat Forest Department has intensified disease-control measures after eight lion cubs died from suspected Babesia infection in the Gir Somnath and Amreli districts. Authorities have isolated lions within a 10-km radius of affected areas and launched large-scale tick-removal operations. Babesia is a parasitic disease transmitted through ticks, causing weakness, fever, and coughing. Samples from the dead cubs have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre for confirmation, with results expected in three to four days. No fresh deaths have been reported in the last two days. The issue was reviewed at a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with guidance from the Prime Minister's Office. The Gir forest is the world's only natural habitat of Asiatic lions, with a population of 891 according to the 2025 census. The outbreak revives concerns over disease outbreaks among Asiatic lions, following a 2018 outbreak that killed 11 lions.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Gujarat isolates lions within 10-km radius after suspected Babesia infection kills cubs
Following the deaths of lion cubs from a suspected Babesia parasite infection in Gujarat's Gir Somnath and Amreli districts, state Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced on May 28, 2026, that lions within a 10-kilometer radius of affected areas are being isolated to prevent the spread of infection. Samples from the dead cubs have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnological Research Centre in Gandhinagar for examination, with results pending. The minister stated that affected lions are being treated symptomatically. The office of the Prime Minister is providing guidance. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting on May 27, during which it was reported that four cubs had died and 17 lions from affected areas were isolated and monitored. The forest department confirmed that lions at the Sasan lion hospital are not infected, but has prepared cages, nets, tranquiliser guns, and advanced lab equipment for emergency response.
The Indian ExpressFour Lion Cubs Die in Gujarat's Gir Forest; 17 Isolated Amid Suspected Viral Infection
Four lion cubs have died in different areas of the Gir forest region in Gujarat, India, due to a suspected Babesia virus infection spread by ticks. In response, 17 adult lions have been isolated and are under intensive monitoring. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting on May 27, 2026, to address the situation. Forest officials reported that all lions within a 10 km radius of Gir Gadhada and Babaria are being closely watched, with no other disease symptoms detected. De-ticking and health measures are being implemented for over 350 lions in the area, with specialist veterinarians from Junagadh Veterinary College assisting. Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia ruled out a major epidemic, noting that two cubs died from suspected Babesia, while three other big cats died from natural causes and infighting. The 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.
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