Amid rising concerns over the spread of Equine Influenza among animals deployed on the Kedarnath pilgrimage route, the Uttarakhand Animal Husbandry Department has temporarily halted the movement of horses and mules for 24 hours. The decision was taken late Monday night after the Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Dr. Purushottam, held a high-level meeting with district officials in Rudraprayag.
The halt comes in response to multiple reports of equines falling ill, with 14 deaths recorded in just two days—eight on Sunday and six on Monday. A central team of veterinary experts from the Government of India is expected to arrive in Rudraprayag to investigate the cause of these deaths and to guide further action.
Dr. Purushottam stated that the department has been actively monitoring the situation under the direction of the Chief Minister. Between April 4 and April 30, approximately 16,000 animals were screened, and only those that tested negative were permitted to join the Yatra.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Ashish Rawat confirmed that unhealthy animals will be quarantined during the 24-hour suspension. Meanwhile, test samples have been sent to the National Research Centre on Equines in Hisar, and the suspension will remain in effect until the test results are received.
Dr. Rawat also emphasized that under prevailing animal welfare laws, it is the responsibility of animal owners to ensure that sick animals are not used for work. Any violations will result in strict legal action against the owners concerned.
The authorities hope that this prompt action will help contain the virus and ensure the safety of both the animals and pilgrims on the Kedarnath Yatra route.
