With less than a month remaining before the start of the 2025 Char Dham Yatra, a contagious disease affecting horses and mules has raised concerns for the government. After 18 horses and mules in Viron and Basti villages of Rudraprayag district tested positive for equine influenza, the government has heightened its vigilance.
Chardham Yatra 2025: Following the confirmation of equine influenza, a contagious disease, in 18 horses and mules in Viron and Basti villages of Rudraprayag district, the government has become vigilant. Animal Husbandry Minister Saurabh Bahuguna, while reviewing the situation at the secretariat, directed that screening of equine animals (horses and mules) should be prioritized, keeping in mind the Char Dham Yatra commencing on April 30th.
The minister instructed officials to ensure that no diseased animal participates in the pilgrimage. The Animal Husbandry Department has been issued necessary guidelines in this regard to mitigate the risk of infection during the Char Dham Yatra.
Strict Scrutiny of Equine Animals in Char Dham Yatra
Animal Husbandry Minister Saurabh Bahuguna directed officials to make health checks mandatory for all equine animals participating in the Char Dham Yatra. Specifically, horses and mules from other states will not be allowed to participate without a health certificate and a negative report for equine influenza.
Strict Measures Following Confirmation of Infection
Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease with an 80-90% transmission rate among equine animals. Vaccination is the only preventive measure. In 2009, approximately 175 horses and mules died due to this disease during the Char Dham Yatra. Following the confirmation of the infection in Rudraprayag, the registration of horses and mules has been temporarily suspended. Infected animals have been quarantined. Recently, samples were collected from 422 horses and mules in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Bageshwar districts, of which 18 tested positive.
Plan to Ensure Safe Pilgrimage
The government has instructed that all 23,120 registered horses and mules be examined on a priority basis. Checks will also be strictly enforced at animal disease control checkpoints established at state borders. The government aims to ensure that no infected animals participate in the Char Dham Yatra. The Animal Husbandry Minister clarified that the government is fully vigilant to prevent the spread of any infection through horses and mules during the pilgrimage. He stated that health testing of all animals participating in the yatra will be mandatory, so that pilgrims can have a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience.
