Glanders outbreak: Movement of horses banned near Bengaluru Turf Club

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.