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Amreli (Gujarat), 28 May. The forest department and the state government are concerned about the continuous deaths of lions due to the serious infectious disease ‘Babesia’ spread in Gir East and Gir West areas of Amreli district of Gujarat. It is said that due to suspicion of Babesia infection spreading among lions, high alert has been declared in the entire Gir area.

Sources said that with the death of one more lion kept under observation at Jasdhar Animal Care Centre, the number of dead lions has reached nine. A serious internal investigation has also been started into the figures and reasons behind the deaths of lions in different areas of Gir East and Gir West.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, following immediate orders received from Gandhinagar, those experienced officers and employees, who have served in Gir for years, have been re-deployed in the field. ACF Rajan Jadhav along with five RFOs, 11 forest personnel and experienced staff of Gir have been ordered to immediately reach Jasdhar range from other ranges.

In fact, after a high level meeting held at the Chief Minister level, a special team of Gandhinagar Forest Department reached Gir. Investigation has been started in the border areas of Gir East and Gir West. This team comprising PCCF Bhavani Pati, CCF Ram Ratan Nala and senior doctors of the Animal Health Department reached Jasdhar Animal Care Center and took stock of the entire situation.

The team obtained details of the dead lions and also gathered information about the health of the lions, which have been kept under observation. However, the team of officials from Gandhinagar refrained from talking to the media as the investigation is still ongoing. PCCF Bhavani Pati also did not give any official statement to the media on this issue.