Source: PIB
Context: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has rolled out a Revised National Action Plan on Glanders to strengthen surveillance, prevention, control, and eradication of the equine disease.
About Revised National Action Plan (2025) on Glanders
- Zoning & Surveillance
- Infected zone reduced from 5 km → 2 km.
- Surveillance zone redefined as 2–10 km (earlier 5–25 km).
- Restrictions apply only up to 10 km.
- Enhanced Surveillance & Reporting
- Mandatory equine testing in endemic/high-risk areas.
- Use of advanced lab diagnostics and frequent field inspections.
- Quarantine & Movement Control
- Rigorous quarantine measures in affected areas.
- Certification for movement in fairs, yatras, and interstate transport.
- Rapid Response
- SOPs for containment, isolation, and humane handling of positive cases.
- Coordination with State Animal Husbandry Departments.
- Capacity Building
- Training for veterinarians, para-vets, and field staff on recognition, reporting, and biosafety.
- Public Awareness
- Outreach for horse owners, breeders, and communities for cooperation in surveillance.
- Research & Laboratory Support
- Collaboration with ICAR–National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar for diagnostics and epidemiology.
About Glanders
- Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia mallei.
- Host animals: Primarily affects horses, mules, and donkeys; can infect other animals and humans (zoonotic disease).
- Transmission: Spread through direct contact with nasal discharge, contaminated feed, water, or equipment.
- Risks: High fatality if untreated; a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009.
- Global context: Eradicated in many countries, but still reported sporadically in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
