Equines face control measures over glanders under the revised strategy announced by DAHD
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has announced a revised National Action Plan to combat glanders, a disease affecting horses, mules, and donkeys. This updated plan aims to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control measures while safeguarding the livelihoods of communities dependent on equines.
The revised plan has been developed in collaboration with veterinary and animal health authorities, international organisations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and domestic institutions like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar.
Glanders, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, is classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009. The updated plan includes several key strategies to combat the disease.
Quarantine and movement controls have been tightened for equines, with restrictions now enforced only within a 10 km radius. The infected zone has been reduced from 5 km to 2 km, and surveillance areas redefined to 2-10 km. Frequent field inspections are part of the plan to detect and contain outbreaks early.
Capacity building and training for veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and field staff will focus on early detection, reporting, and biosafety practices. Advanced diagnostics and epidemiological studies will be conducted through this collaboration. Enhanced laboratory diagnostics are included in the updated plan.
The plan also mandates regular testing in high-risk areas. A rapid response mechanism with standard operating procedures for containment, isolation, and humane handling of infected animals has been introduced. Coordination with state departments is part of the rapid response mechanism.
Public awareness campaigns will engage horse owners, breeders, and other stakeholders to ensure cooperation in surveillance and reporting. The updated plan will be implemented in close coordination with state governments, veterinary universities, and ICAR institutes. Strict measures, including certifications, have been implemented for transporting equines to fairs, yatras, and for interstate movement.
The plan's implementation will help safeguard the health of equines and the livelihoods of those dependent on them, while also ensuring the safety of humans. With the revised action plan in place, India is taking significant strides towards controlling glanders and protecting its equine population.
(First published on: 28 Aug 2025, 09:00 IST)
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