Seven lions rescued as precautionary measure

TNN | Updated: Sep 27, 2018, 12:54 IST

RAJKOT: Seven Asiatic lions including three males, three lionesses and a cub were rescued from Dalkhaniya range where 14 lions have died since September 12, with most casualties being attributed to fight over territorial supremacy.

They were rescued and taken to Jasadhar animal care centre as a precautionary measure to check for illnesses or infections. According to an official statement issued by forest department on Wednesday, all seven lions brought to the animal care centre are healthy.

Chief conservator of forest (CCF), wildlife, D T Vasavada said: “They are brought from the same area where 14 lions died, but these animals are healthy. They will be put under observation as a precautionary exercise.”

Meanwhile, the medical reports of two lion cubs that succumbed during treatment has revealed that they did not die due to canine distemper, a viral infection seen among animals which leads to several complications if not treated in time. This means that the cubs were not infected with any contagious diseases of life-threatening illnesses.

During the special drive to screen lions in four districts, 460 lions have been scanned.

Since 12th September, 14 lions including seven cubs died in Dalkhaniya range of Gir (east) and their samples have been sent to various veterinary colleges for testing. The report of Junagadh Veterinary College conducted by molecular virology system showed that the two cubs tested negative for canine distemper.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/seven-lions-rescued-as-precautionary-measure/articleshow/65971491.cms