Laboratory tests have ruled out canine distemper virus (CDV) and Babesia as the cause of recent lion deaths in Gujarat's Gir landscape, state forest minister Arjun Modhwadia said.
Eight lions, including six cubs, died between May 22 and May 27, triggering concerns over a possible disease outbreak.
Officials said the deaths were linked to seasonal stress, dehydration, natural causes and isolated incidents, with no evidence so far of a 2018-like outbreak involving CDV or Babesia.
Modhwadia said there is no recommendation from experts at present to vaccinate free-ranging lions, despite having the vaccine available.
Forest and veterinary teams are carrying out round-the-clock monitoring, with measures such as deticking operations and isolation of lions within a 10-km radius of the affected area.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh said that 12 of the 17 lions quarantined as a precautionary measure have been released back into the wild after recovery.
