Glanders Outbreak in Horses Prompts Sealing of Bengaluru Turf Club, 2-km Zone Imposed

Authorities in Bengaluru have imposed strict restrictions around the Bengaluru Turf Club after confirming cases of Glanders disease in horses. A 2-kilometre exclusion zone has been enforced, prohibiting the entry and exit of animals and restricting the movement of horses, donkeys, mules and other equines to prevent the spread of the infection to animals as well as humans.

Bangalore City District Commissioner G. Jagadeesh has officially declared the Bengaluru Turf Club a Glanders-affected area. As part of the containment measures, animals are barred from entering or leaving the notified zone and cannot be used for entertainment programmes, processions or auspicious events in nearby localities. Officials said the restrictions are aimed at preventing further transmission of the disease.

Nature of Glanders Disease

Glanders is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects horses and donkeys and is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. Health experts warn that the infection can also spread to humans through close contact with infected animals or exposure to contaminated food and water. Human infection is considered dangerous and can turn life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Veterinary teams and health department officials are conducting surveillance in and around the restricted zone. Authorities are tracking animals, checking for symptoms, enforcing movement bans and advising stable workers and animal handlers to maintain strict hygiene and report any suspected illness without delay.

Symptoms in Humans and Animals

Doctors say humans infected with Glanders may experience fever, chills, weakness, muscle pain, chest pain, cough and breathing difficulties. In some cases, skin lesions may develop. Severe infections can lead to sepsis, a serious blood infection that can be fatal without urgent medical care.

In animals, Glanders typically presents with high fever, nasal discharge that may contain pus, ulcers or lesions inside the nose, breathing problems, skin pustules, weight loss and overall weakness. The disease can progress rapidly, making early veterinary intervention crucial for control.

Public Advisory

Officials have urged residents to avoid contact with horses, donkeys and mules within the 2-kilometre restricted area and to stay away from animals showing unusual symptoms. Authorities stressed that early reporting, swift diagnosis and strict biosecurity measures around the Bengaluru Turf Club are essential to safeguard both human and animal health.

The containment measures will remain in place until officials confirm that the outbreak has been fully controlled.