By Arun Pratap Singh
Rudraprayag, 7 May: A 24-hour ban was enforced on use of horses and mules during the Kedarnath Yatra after the mysterious deaths of 14 animals within the first two days of the Yatra. However, sources indicate that this ban is likely to be extended for at least another fortnight as a precautionary measure in the interest of the animals as well as the pilgrims.
It may be recalled that 14 horses and mules had died within two days on the Kedarnath Yatra route, prompting the Uttarakhand government to impose a 24-hour ban on their movement. Initially, the Animal Husbandry Department had suspected that the deaths were caused by equine influenza which was detected in some horses in the state in the month of April but now Animal Husbandry Secretary Dr BVRC Purushottam, a veterinary surgeon himself, has ruled out the virus as the cause.
Speaking on the matter, Purushottam shared that samples collected from the deceased animals have been sent to Bareilly, where further investigation will determine the exact cause of death. He also revealed that before the Yatra began, 16,000 horses and mules were tested for influenza in Srinagar Garhwal and Hisar labs, with 152 samples testing positive. However, none of these cases were confirmed in RTPCR tests, raising doubts about the role of influenza in the recent deaths.
However, despite ruling out influenza, authorities are not taking any chances. Given the highly contagious nature of the virus, 27 veterinarians have been deployed in Kedarnath to monitor the health of animals on a war footing. Additionally, horses and mules showing symptoms similar to influenza will be completely barred from participating in the Yatra, while healthy animals will be allowed after thorough checkups.
According to Dr Purushottam, the Animal Husbandry Department is working on a concrete plan to prevent the spread of any potential disease. Meanwhile, the ban on equine movement remains in place, with no official confirmation on when it will be lifted. Authorities have also sought assistance from ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, to conduct a detailed study on the deaths.
The Char Dham Yatra has already seen over 4,300 horse and mule operators register their animals for the arduous 18-km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. However, with the sudden spike in animal deaths, concerns over animal welfare and pilgrim safety have intensified.
