Spurt in glanders cases worries scientists

The maximum number of cases are being reported from Uttar Pradesh, followed by New Delhi and Rajasthan, say experts

HISAR: The spurt in glanders cases, a disease affecting equines (horses, mules and ponies), has left scientists worried as it can be transmitted to humans as well and there no known cure for the disease.

The only way out, as per the scientists, is to eliminate the animal to contain the disease from spreading further.

Scientists at the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, say they have received 29,700 samples over the past one year, out of which as many 344 have tested positive for glanders.

The maximum number of cases came in from Uttar Pradesh (217), followed by New Delhi (50) and Rajasthan (20). In Haryana, the maximum number of cases were reported from Yamunanagar and Sonepat, which are known for animal breeding. “The last time so many cases were reported in a single year was in 1998 and 2006,” says Bhupendra Nath Tripathi, director of the Hisar-based ICAR-NRCE. “Keeping in mind the situation, we recently asked the Uttar Pradesh government to avoid holding any animal fairs,” Tripathi added.

Harishankar Singha, another scientist at the centre, says, “As soon as we start getting samples from different states, we notify the government of the state concerned to stop the movement of

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The last time so many cases were reported in a single year was in 1998 and 2006. Keeping in mind the situation, we recently asked the Uttar Pradesh government to avoid holding any animal fairs BHUPENDRA NATH TRIPATHI, ICAR-NRCE director

the animals and after animals are found positive, the elimination is the final process.”

“There is no cure for the disease so far. The only way to out is to kill the affected animal and bury it in a six-ft deep pit. The carcass should be covered with a layer of salt and lime powder to keep dogs at bay,” says Tripathi.

The symptoms of the disease include swelling below the jaw, mucous discharge from the nostrils and lumps in the body. “In case any such symptoms are found in the equines, their owners are advised to immediately inform a veterinary doctor,” says Singha.

Meanwhile, Tripathi added, “We have also asked the departments concerned to send us samples of humans who stay close to horses that have tested positive for the disease.

Some doctors of Uttar Pradesh and Jammu are under the process to send us human samples.”