Glanders equine disease confirmed in horses, donkeys

Hisar, Jan 21 (UNI) The National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), here has confirmed the outbreak of the dreaded glanders disease among horses and donkeys in parts of Western Uttar Pradesh.

At least six cases of glanders in Gautam Budh Nagar and Mawana town of Meerut have been confirmed through laboratory investigations conducted at NRCE, Dr S K Dwivedi, Director, NRCE, confirmed here today.

The NRCE has written to the Directors of Animal Husbandry departments of Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand informing them about the occurrence of the disease. These governments have been advised to take preventive action to contain the disease and to stop the movement of donkeys, mules and horses within and outside the states.

Dr Dwivedi said the equine movement in Western UP including in Meerut, Gautam Budh Nagar and adjoining districts should be restricted with immediate effect. Zoo-sanitary measures may be adopted to prevent the spread of the disease to nearby areas, he added.

Dr Dwivedi said the reported death of 20 donkeys at one place in Gautam Budh Nagar showing signs of glanders was a matter of concern. He disclosed that incidence of glanders had also been reported from Pune and Satara in Maharashtra and tests at the NRCE had confirmed this. The scientists of NRCE are working hard to ensure containment of the disease and experts are visiting the affected areas, he added.

He advised that the Animal Husbandry officers of the areas or states concerned should take steps to check the spread of the disease.

The last case of glanders was reported here in 1998 from Rohtak.

UNI