For the first time in the history of the Kedarnath Yatra, mules and horses falling sick during the pilgrimage will be quarantined. The Animal Husbandry Department has designated quarantine centres in Kotma and Phata to isolate and treat ill animals under the supervision of expert veterinary doctors. If needed, additional arrangements will be made on rent at other locations.
Last month, several equines in villages like Biron, Bashti, Jalyi, Mansuna, and Gaundar tested positive for Horse Flu (Equine Influenza). In Gaundar, three mules also died due to the infection. This led to a temporary suspension of animal registrations for the Yatra. With the infection now under control, registration camps have resumed.
At these camps, blood samples are being collected to test for Horse Flu and Glanders. Only animals testing negative are being registered for the Kedarnath Yatra, which begins on May 2. During the Yatra, any mule or horse found ill will be quarantined immediately to prevent the spread of infection to other animals.
Dr. Bhupendra Jangpangi, Additional Director of the Animal Husbandry Department in Dehradun, stated that quarantine centres have been marked in Kotma (Kalimath Valley) and Phata (Kedar Valley), each with a capacity to accommodate 30 animals. A team of seven veterinary experts has been deployed for each location to monitor and treat sick animals.
