The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has intensified inspections and health monitoring measures across the city after a horse reportedly died from glanders, a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects horses, mules, and donkeys.
Following the incident, civic authorities launched large-scale veterinary checks at beaches, tourist spots, and horse stables where recreational horse rides are commonly conducted. Officials have also temporarily restricted horse joyrides in several public areas as a precautionary measure.
Veterinary teams collected blood samples from dozens of horses across Chennai to test for possible infections. Health officials stated that surveillance has been increased to prevent the disease from spreading to other animals. Authorities are also disinfecting stable areas and monitoring horse transport activities within and outside the city.
Glanders is considered a serious zoonotic disease, meaning it can rarely spread from animals to humans through direct contact. Symptoms in horses include fever, nasal discharge, breathing difficulty, and skin lesions. Officials urged horse owners and handlers to immediately report any unusual symptoms to veterinary authorities.
The Greater Chennai Corporation said preventive measures will continue until all test results are reviewed and the situation is fully under control.
