Equine Influenza Detected :- Chardham Yatra on High Alert

With the Chardham Yatra set to begin on April 30, the Uttarakhand government has taken urgent measures following the detection of equine influenza in Rudraprayag district. The highly contagious respiratory disease, confirmed in 18 horses and mules in Veeron and Basti villages, has raised concerns about the pilgrimage’s safety, as equines play a crucial role in transporting devotees through the rugged Himalayan terrain.

Strict Health Screenings and Preventive Measures
Animal Husbandry Minister Saurabh Bahuguna chaired a high-level review meeting in Dehradun to assess the situation. He emphasized the urgent screening of all horses and mules, ensuring that no infected animals participate in the yatra. Additionally, any animals arriving in Uttarakhand from other states must carry a health certificate and a negative equine influenza report from their place of origin.

Rapid Spread of the Virus and Quarantine Measures
Equine influenza has a transmission rate of 80-90%, posing a severe threat to the 23,120 registered horses and mules in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Bageshwar districts. Recent tests from 422 collected samples confirmed 18 positive cases in Rudraprayag. In response, authorities have:

• Suspended the registration of horses and mules for the yatra.
• Quarantined infected animals to prevent further spread.
• Ordered mass vaccinations as a preventive measure.

Border Checkpoints and Animal Disease Control

To contain the outbreak, the government has implemented strict health screenings at district and state border checkpoints. These screenings apply to all equines, including those arriving from Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states, to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds without disruption.

Significance of Equine Influenza Transport in Chardham Yatra

The Chardham Yatra, covering the revered Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. Many devotees rely on horses and mules to traverse the difficult mountainous routes. With the yatra’s commencement approaching, authorities are intensifying efforts to protect both the equine population and the devotees dependent on them.