Forest dept receives consignment of 300 vaccines against canine distemper virus; decision on administering soon
The forest department of the Gujarat government has received the consignment of 300 vaccines for Asiatic lions in the Gir forest which have been infected by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). However, the department is not going to make haste in administering the vaccines to the big cats. The forest department will take a call only if it is deemed necessary.
A total of 36 lions have been quarantined in a rescue center including three who were found in critical condition two days ago. But the forest department officials have observed that the animals' condition is now stable and there has been no further deterioration.
The additional chief secretary of forest and environment department, Rajiv Kumar Gupta, said, "Since all 36 lions were found in good condition and their health is stable, we will take a call to administer the vaccine, if and when it is necessary."
"Though we have received the consignment of 300 shots of vaccine a day before, it is not mandatory to administer them as soon as the vaccine has been made available. To administer the vaccine, a scientific process has to be followed, one that suits the lions, including assessment of health reports. Our observation is that no lion at the rescue center needs a dose of vaccine urgently," he added.
Director of Sakkarbaug Zoo, J S Rana, who collected the consignment at Rajkot airport on Friday, said the vaccine has proved effective in other countries and it offers protection against CDV for one year. Since September 12, as many as 23 lions have died in the sanctuary, at least 11 of them due to CDV and Protozoa infections, according to forest officials. Besides that, the animal husbandry department of the state government has started vaccination of domestic and stray animals in 110 villages surrounding the Gir sanctuary area. Officials are concerned that any of the animals which are prey for the lions, could have been infected with CDV and could transfer the virus to the big cats.
Govt deputes 2 DCFs to Gir
The Gujarat government's forest and environment department has deputed two Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) level officials in the Gir sanctuary area to assist Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
NOT A MATTER OF PRIDE
300 - shots of vaccine against Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) believed to have caused the deaths
36 - Adult lions which were shifted to rescue centres are now stable in the Gir forest, said a forest department official
Since Sept 12
23 lions died in the sanctuary
11 of them died due to CDV and Protozoa infections
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