Racing in southern India paused after suspected outbreak of potentially lethal equine illness

Racing in southern India has been dealt a blow after a suspected outbreak of the potentially lethal equine illness glanders.

Last month, reports emerged of horses showing symptoms of glanders, a highly contagious illness that can be spread to humans, at Hyderabad racecourse in central southern India.

Then on Thursday, the Bangalore Turf Club, based in Bengaluru, cancelled its weekend fixtures for “administrative reasons”. It was later confirmed to local media that five horses had tested positive for glanders and were being quarantined while further testing took place.

In a note posted on the Bangalore Turf Club website on Saturday, stewards said they had taken the decision to cancel next week’s fixtures on December 11-12 due to “administrative reasons”.

Speaking to the Free Press Journal, a Bangalore Turf Club official said: “We recognise the urgency of the situation and have implemented strict control measures.”

Samples from the horses stabled at Bangalore have been sent to India’s main testing laboratory, with results typically taking up to 72 hours to be confirmed.

Indian punters gather before the Kingfisher Ultra Derby at the Bangalore Turf Club in 2016Credit: MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP via Getty Images

Should glanders be confirmed, then a quarantine is likely to be extended at the Bangalore Turf Club to cover all horses at the venue for up to 90 days, severely impacting its winter race schedule. Two suspected cases of glanders have also been reported at the Mysore Race Club.

Concern about the risk of the spread of glanders prompted the Royal Western India Turf Club in Mumbai to issue a statement to participants. It said: “All trainers, jockeys, and owners who have visited Bangalore and Mysore Race Club in the recent past are not allowed to enter the RWITC premises until further notice.

“All jockeys who have ridden at Bangalore and/or Mysore recently and are already in station must use locally sourced equipment.”

What is glanders?

Glanders is a highly contagious bacterial illness which effects horses and other equids, such as donkeys. It can also be transmitted to humans.

The illness is spread through inhalation of the bacteria or through contact with other infected animals, contaminated equipment, food or water.

Symptoms include nasal discharge, cough, fever and weight loss. The latter comes as a consequence of nodules and ulcers forming on a horse's throat and around its nose.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), a cure is possible if animals are treated rapidly with antibiotics. However, to prevent the spread, infected animals are often culled. Disinfecting contaminated equipment and facilities is also essential in stopping the illness.

The disease has been eradicated in North America, Australia and Europe, according to WOAH, through testing and eliminating infected animals, along with import control.

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