Urgent Appeal to Ban Horse-Drawn Tongas Amid Glanders Scare in Delhi

Three horses in Delhi tested positive for glanders, a zoonotic disease, leading to their euthanization. PETA India urged authorities to enforce existing bans on horse-drawn tongas and improve containment measures. The situation highlights public health risks and animal welfare issues linked to equine diseases.

In a concerning revelation, three horses in Delhi were recently euthanised after testing positive for glanders, a zoonotic disease impacting both animals and humans. The situation has prompted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to call for stricter enforcement of a 2010 ban on horse-drawn tongas and improved containment measures.

Glanders, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, primarily affects equine species but can also impact humans and other animals. It is contracted through contaminated food or water and marked by severe nasal symptoms and lung lesions. Despite confirmation of the disease nearly six months prior, testing for other potentially infected horses commenced belatedly.

PETA India has criticized the handling of the infected horses and highlighted the need for immediate action to curb potential outbreaks. Ujjwal Agrain, PETA India's Senior Policy Advisor, has emphasized the importance of eradicating horse-drawn tongas for both public health and animal welfare, urging for motorized alternatives to replace them.

(With inputs from agencies.)