Asiatic lion 'Kush' died of Ehrlichia SSP at safari in Silvasa

Silvasa (Gujarat), July 31 (UNI) A male lion - 'Khush' has died due to infection of blood pathogen named as Ehrlichia SSP, which is causative agent of an illness called as 'Ehrlichiosis', at Lion Safari at Vasona near here.

According to Zoo authority here today, following contracting 'Ehrlichia SSP', Kush had develoepd symptoms of intermittent fever, anorexia, lethargy and tiredness from June 23, and finally died yesterday.

The vector for Ehrlichiosis are ticks and other biting insects.

This pathogen reportedly affects several animal species like tigers, leopards, cats, dogs, camels, hybrid lions and other wild animals.

This was the first time that it had been detected in a 'Pure Bred Asiatic Lion' and thus the department was taking advice from the expert doctors to treat the lion.

Kush was brough here from Sakarbaug Zoo, Junagadh, along with two lioness - Silky and Sonal - in 2002, when the Safari was set up.

However, of the trio Silky had died earlier and only Sonal is now alive in the Zoo.

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