Chennai on alert after horse tests positive for Glanders; humans vulnerable too

The Tamil Nadu Health Department has sounded an alert in Chennai after glanders, a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting horses, was confirmed recently in a horse used for recreational rides. The horse, reportedly, fell ill suddenly and died two days ago. The development has raised concern as the disease, which generally affects horses, donkeys and mules, can also spread to humans. The bacteria are transmitted through contact with bodily secretions from infected animals. A few days ago, an outbreak of the disease was also reported in Coimbatore.

The first time
This is the first time the disease has been confirmed within Chennai city limits. Following the detection, authorities have imposed strict restrictions on horse riding activities across the city. Officials of the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary collected samples from the dead horse and sent them to the laboratory of the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), where the infection was confirmed. The NRCE functions as the animal research wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Citywide health screening for horses
Officials of the Animal Husbandry Department said samples of bodily secretions would be collected and tested from all 140 horses used for recreational rides in the city. Restrictions have also been imposed on transporting horses from neighbouring States and taking them out of the State. The ICAR has directed the department to isolate and closely monitor the other horses that were housed alongside the infected animal. The area where the horse was kept will also be disinfected.

The disease came to light after a veterinary doctor who examined the horse suspected glanders. The presence of wounds on the animal’s body and a recent outbreak reported in Karnataka further strengthened the suspicion, prompting authorities to send samples for laboratory testing.

Police horses too under surveillance
Officials said horses across Chennai, including those belonging to the mounted wing of the Chennai City Police, are also being monitored for the disease. The move assumes significance, especially as a large number of horses used for recreational rides are stationed around Marina Beach and nearby areas, where mounted police personnel regularly patrol.

Symptoms of glanders disease
Fever, cough, nasal discharge, joint inflammation, and wounds on the body are among the key symptoms of glanders. The disease primarily affects the lungs and can prove fatal in severe cases.