New Delhi, October 5: The National Institute of Virology (NIV) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Friday said, lions in Gir forest are dying because of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). It is the same virus which has wiped out 30 percent of the total big cat population in East Africa. The ICMR said five deaths out of twenty-three lions in the Gir forest is due to CDV. 'Pride of Gujarat' Asiatic Lioness In Gir Forest Being Harassed by Locals is Caught on Camera, Watch the Shocking Video.

The ICMR which acts as an apex body for biomedical research said that CDV was responsible for the deaths of lions in Gir forest and asked the Centre to take an immediate step to save lions. It also added that 300 shots of CDV vaccines were imported from the United States, and the government should take necessary steps to ensure that the virus doesn't spread to other big cats. 2 More Lions Dead in Gir; Toll Reaches 23.

The IMCR's research also added that CDV infection was found in India, and was confirmed by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).

“As a precautionary measure, 300 shots of CDV vaccine are imported from the US for the lions. ICMR has also recommended that to avoid extinction of the lions, the animals should be placed in two to three different sanctuaries,” the statement by ICMR said. While the condition of three lions out of 36, which are currently under observation, is critical. As of now, 23 big cats have been reported dead in Gujarat's Gir forest.

The CDV is a highly contagious and deadly disease in dogs and it also affects animals such as foxes, red pandas, wolves, racoons, ferrets, tigers, hyenas, and lions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2018 08:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).