Uttarakhand's Equine Influenza Crisis: Will Chardham Yatra be Postponed?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu):  Big news is coming out before the Chardham Yatra begins. According to the information, equine influenza virus has been found in horses and mules before the opening of the doors of Kedarnath Dham. After which the Uttarakhand government is on alert mode. Animal Husbandry Minister Saurabh Bahuguna has held a meeting in the Secretariat and has given strict instructions to the officials to focus on proper screening of horses and mules for the virus before the start of the Chardham Yatra and during the Yatra.

Minister Bahuguna gave a strict warning and said that strict action will be taken against the negligent officers and employees. In the meeting held in the morning, the officers informed Cabinet Minister Bahuguna that equine influenza has been confirmed in 12 equine animals in Rudraprayag, which have been quarantined. This disease spreads rapidly among other equine animals, in view of this, the owners of the concerned horses and mules have been instructed to keep them away from other animals. Minister Bahuguna has directed to screen equine animals at all animal disease control posts in Uttarakhand. Apart from this, the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag has been instructed to take all precautions to prevent the infection of the said disease.

Cabinet Minister Bahuguna said that as a precautionary measure, two quarantine centres will be set up in Rudraprayag district. One of these will be built in Phata and the other in Kotma. He said that no sick horse or mule will be allowed to be taken on the Chardham Yatra. During the Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra, a large number of devotees travel to Kedarnath and Yamunotri Dham on horses and mules. Horses and mules also come here from outside the state. The departmental minister has instructed the officers of the Animal Husbandry Department to remain alert on the border areas of the state as well. He said that no horse will be allowed to go without a health test. He has also asked to ensure the availability of medicines.

Serological samples of all horses and mules in the five districts of Uttarakhand will be taken, which will be tested at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute Mukteshwar. If any equine animal is found positive, it will be quarantined. Then after 12 days, its sample will be taken and tested. After the report comes negative, it will be allowed to be taken on the Yatra. For this, the concerned owner will have to show this report.