Gujarat state officials have isolated lions within a 10-kilometre radius of areas where four cubs died from suspected Babesia infection in the Gir region.
State Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced the measure on Thursday. Samples from the dead cubs have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnological Research Centre in Gandhinagar for testing.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting on Wednesday. Officials reported that 17 lions from affected zones in Gir Somnath and Amreli districts are now under close monitoring.
Modhwadia said the Prime Minister’s office is providing guidance. Veterinary teams from Junagadh Veterinary College are treating affected lions based on symptoms.
The forest department stated that no lions at the Sasan hospital show signs of infection. Emergency equipment including tranquiliser guns has been prepared at the facility.