Ahmedabad, June 5 -- 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 on Friday, adding that the government will not deploy the available CDV vaccine in free-ranging lions at this stage.

"The test results have come negative for both Babesia and CDV. There is nothing to worry on that front," Modhwadia told HT.

The clarification comes after 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 outbrea...