Ahmedabad: Rajya Sabha member Parimal Nathwani has written to Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, seeking immediate healthcare intervention following reports that multiple Asiatic lions have died in Gir and Greater Gir due to babesiosis. The MP also sent a separate letter to Gujarat Forests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Arjun Modhwadia, urging urgent steps to treat infected lions and prevent further spread of the contagious disease.
Concerns Over Lion Health
Nathwani termed the development as disturbing but expressed confidence that the department was taking all necessary measures. He said, “As the population of Asiatic lions increases in Gir and Greater Gir areas, so do health-related risks. Contagious diseases like CDV and babesiosis can pose a serious threat to the lion population. It is imperative to make observation and reporting systems more effective and robust at the field level for early diagnosis and faster response.”
Proposed Field Observation Protocol
He also sought implementation of the ‘Field Observation Protocol’ for trackers, beat guards, round staff, and the veterinary team. He urged the minister to have field staff conduct regular observations of lions and report any unusual behaviour, physical fatigue, respiratory problems, tick menace, unstable walking, etc., with immediate effect. He urged the government that if more than one lion has similar symptoms, then it should be considered a ‘high alert’ situation, and senior officials and the veterinary rapid response team should be informed without any delay. He demanded that a proper record be maintained.
Long-Term Action Plan
As there is a possibility of lions becoming infected with CDV through dogs, Nathwani stressed the need for a long-term action plan. He suggested that vaccination of stray dogs, regular health check-ups, a faster diagnostic laboratory system, and field staff training programmes should be implemented.
