Ahmedabad, June 6 -- 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 the government will not deploy the available CDV vaccine in free-ranging lions at this stage. "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 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. "Right now the season is adverse. Cubs depend entirely on the mother for hydration, and when water intake is insufficient, it leads to weakness and dehydration, which affects immunity. Also, the mortality among lion cubs is higher than 50%," the minister said. Modhwadia also said there is no recommendation from experts at present to vaccinate free-ranging lions. maulik pathak...