Mohali: The Punjab government has imposed strict containment measures after a case of the lethal horse disease Glanders was confirmed in a village near Mohali. A five-kilometre area surrounding the affected site has been officially marked as a Red Zone, with an immediate ban on the movement of horses.
The alarm was raised after veterinary officials confirmed that a horse in the region had tested positive for Glanders, a highly infectious and incurable disease that not only affects equines but can also pose serious risks to human health. The infection, caused by the Burkholderia mallei bacterium, spreads rapidly through direct contact and has historically had devastating impacts on animal populations.
Upon confirmation of the case, the state’s Animal Husbandry Department took swift action to curb any possible outbreak:
- Red Zone Declared: All movement of horses has been prohibited within a 5 km radius of the affected village.
- Screening Zone Activated: Equines located in the surrounding 5–25 km radius will undergo rigorous health checks and surveillance.
- Enforcement in Full Swing: The Punjab Police have been deployed to ensure full compliance with the movement ban, including restrictions on horses owned by government agencies.
Local horse owners and breeders have been advised to remain vigilant and report any signs of illness. Authorities have also appealed to the public for full cooperation in enforcing the temporary restrictions.
The declaration has sparked concern among local communities, especially those involved in farming and animal husbandry. However, officials assure that the situation is under close observation and additional measures will be taken if necessary.
With animal health and public safety at stake, Punjab’s swift declaration of a Red Zone underlines the seriousness of the threat posed by Glanders and the government’s determination to halt its spread.
