Relevant for Exams
Glanders outbreak near Bengaluru Turf Club prompts ban on horse movement.
Summary
An outbreak of Glanders, a serious bacterial disease, has been reported near the Bengaluru Turf Club, leading to a ban on horse movement in the vicinity. This measure is crucial for containing the highly contagious disease, which affects equids and has zoonotic potential. The incident underscores the importance of animal disease surveillance and control, making it relevant for public health and veterinary science topics in competitive exams.
Key Points
- 1Glanders is a highly contagious and often fatal bacterial disease primarily affecting equids (horses, donkeys, mules).
- 2The causative agent of Glanders is the bacterium Burkholderia mallei.
- 3The outbreak has been reported near the Bengaluru Turf Club, located in Karnataka, India.
- 4A ban on the movement of horses has been imposed as a control measure to prevent further spread of the disease.
- 5Glanders is a notifiable disease with zoonotic potential, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
In-Depth Analysis
The recent outbreak of Glanders near the Bengaluru Turf Club, leading to a ban on horse movement, serves as a critical case study for understanding animal disease control, public health, and governance in India. Glanders is a highly contagious and often fatal bacterial disease primarily affecting equids – horses, donkeys, and mules. Caused by the bacterium *Burkholderia mallei*, it manifests through the formation of nodules and ulcers in the respiratory tract, skin, and internal organs, leading to severe illness and a high fatality rate. What makes Glanders particularly concerning is its zoonotic potential; though rare, it can transmit from infected animals to humans, causing a serious and often fatal disease.
The background context reveals Glanders as an ancient disease, historically prevalent worldwide, especially among working equids. While many developed nations have successfully eradicated it through stringent control measures, including surveillance, testing, and culling, it continues to persist in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including India. Past outbreaks in India, such as those reported in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Delhi, underscore the challenges in its complete eradication and the need for continuous vigilance. The Bengaluru incident, therefore, is not an isolated event but a reminder of an ongoing public health and animal husbandry challenge.
In response to the outbreak near the Bengaluru Turf Club, the immediate measure taken was to impose a ban on the movement of horses in the vicinity. This critical step aims to contain the disease, prevent its further spread, and allow for focused surveillance and control activities. The key stakeholders involved in managing such an outbreak are numerous and interconnected. The **Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (DAHVS)** of Karnataka plays the primary role in disease detection, diagnosis, surveillance, and implementing control measures, including potential culling of infected animals and disinfection protocols. The **Bengaluru Turf Club** is directly impacted, responsible for the welfare of its animals, cooperating with authorities, and bearing the economic brunt of the restrictions. The **State Government of Karnataka** provides the overarching policy framework, funding, and inter-departmental coordination, especially between animal husbandry and public health departments. At the national level, the **Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare** (through its Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying) formulates national animal health policies and provides technical and financial support. The **Ministry of Health & Family Welfare** becomes crucial due to the zoonotic nature of Glanders, guiding public health responses and protecting human populations at risk. Local communities and individual equine owners are also vital stakeholders, as their cooperation in reporting suspicious cases and adhering to movement restrictions is paramount for successful containment.
This incident holds significant implications for India. Economically, the equine industry, which includes racing, tourism, equestrian sports, agriculture, and military applications, suffers substantial losses due to movement bans, potential culling, and trade restrictions. This impacts the livelihoods of many dependent on this sector. From a public health perspective, while human cases are rare, they are severe, necessitating robust protective measures for animal handlers, veterinarians, and laboratory personnel. The outbreak also highlights critical gaps in disease surveillance and biosecurity protocols within the country. Furthermore, such outbreaks can affect India's international trade standing, potentially leading to bans on the export of equids and related products, impacting the nation's reputation.
Constitutionally, animal health and public health fall under the purview of both state and central governments. The **Seventh Schedule** of the Indian Constitution places "Preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases" under the **State List (List II, Entry 15)**, making state governments primarily responsible. Additionally, "Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries" (List II, Entry 6) also falls under state domain. However, "Prevention of cruelty to animals" (List III, Entry 17) is in the **Concurrent List**, allowing both the Union and states to legislate. The **Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009**, is a central legislation that provides the framework for the prevention, control, and eradication of scheduled animal diseases, including Glanders, which is a notifiable disease under this Act. This legal framework empowers authorities to take necessary actions like movement restrictions, quarantine, and culling.
Looking ahead, the Glanders outbreak underscores the urgent need for strengthening India's animal disease surveillance and early detection systems. This includes improving diagnostic capabilities, enhancing biosecurity measures at equine facilities and farms, and building the capacity of veterinary professionals. A robust 'One Health' approach, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors, is crucial for effectively managing zoonotic diseases like Glanders. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to educate equine owners and handlers about symptoms, prevention, and the importance of prompt reporting. The long-term implications include the potential for policy reforms to make disease control more proactive rather than reactive, ensuring better preparedness for future outbreaks and safeguarding both animal and human health across the nation.
Exam Tips
This topic primarily falls under 'General Science' (Biology/Diseases), 'Environment & Ecology' (Animal Health), and 'Current Events of National Importance' for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams. For UPSC GS Paper III, it can be linked to 'Science and Technology-developments and their applications and effects in everyday life' and 'Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation'.
Study the causative agent (*Burkholderia mallei*), mode of transmission, symptoms, and zoonotic potential of Glanders. Also, focus on the 'One Health' concept, which is increasingly relevant for inter-sectoral disease management.
Common question patterns include factual questions (e.g., 'Glanders is caused by which pathogen?', 'Which animals are primarily affected?'), analytical questions (e.g., 'Discuss the economic and public health implications of Glanders outbreaks in India'), and policy-oriented questions (e.g., 'What are the legal provisions for controlling animal diseases in India?').
Relate this to government initiatives like the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and the broader framework for animal welfare and public health. Understand the roles of central and state government bodies.
Be prepared for questions on the constitutional provisions related to animal health and public health, specifically entries in the Seventh Schedule and relevant Acts like The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.

