Alarm as glanders case detected in Mandi

A case of glanders disease has been detected in a horse in Mandi district, prompting the Animal Husbandry Department to take swift preventive measures to prevent the spread of this infection. The disease was discovered during routine testing by local veterinary officials.

Dr Mukesh Mahajan, a senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department, said this was an isolated case, adding that immediate steps were being taken to ensure no other animals were affected. “The case was detected during a routine check-up and we have already initiated all necessary precautionary measures,” said Dr. Mahajan. He reassured that the situation is under control and that the department is closely monitoring other horses in the area.

Glanders is a contagious disease primarily affecting horses, though it can also infect other animals and humans in rare cases. It is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated equipment. Symptoms in horses include fever, nasal discharge and respiratory distress. It is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can spread from animals to humans, posing a risk to veterinary professionals and animal handlers.