India, May 31 -- Eight Asiatic lions have died, and 17 others have been infected by an outbreak of Babesia disease in the past few days in the Gir forest, the species' last refuge in Gujarat.

Babesia disease or Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. It causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe illness. The parasite's destruction of red blood cells can lead to life-threatening complications, especially if the lions have a weakened immune system.

Weakness, fever, coughing and nasal discharge are among the symptoms in infected animals.

Stotra Chakrabarti, professor of animal behavior, Macalester College and graduate faculty University of Minnesota working on Asiatic and African lions f...