Revised National Action Plan on Glanders 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has introduced a Revised National Action Plan on Glanders in 2025. This plan aims to enhance the surveillance, prevention, control, and eradication of glanders, a contagious and often fatal disease affecting equines. The update reflects a focused approach to animal health security and One Health preparedness in India.
About Glanders
- Glanders is caused by the bacterium *Burkholderia mallei*.
- It mainly affects horses, mules, and donkeys.
- The disease can also infect other animals and humans, making it zoonotic.
- Transmission occurs through direct contact with nasal discharges or contaminated feed, water, and equipment. Untreated glanders has a high fatality rate.
- It is a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009.
- While eradicated in many countries, glanders still appears sporadically in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Zoning and Surveillance Changes
The Revised Plan reduces the infected zone radius from 5 km to 2 km. The surveillance zone is now 2–10 km, down from 5–25 km. Restrictions on animal movement and activities apply only within 10 km of infected areas. This tighter zoning allows for more targeted control measures while minimising disruption.
Enhanced Surveillance and Reporting
Mandatory testing of equines in endemic and high-risk areas is now enforced. The plan promotes advanced laboratory diagnostics and more frequent field inspections. This ensures early detection and timely reporting of glanders cases. Improved surveillance helps prevent wider outbreaks.
Quarantine and Movement Control
The plan enforces strict quarantine measures in affected zones. Movement of equines from these areas is regulated through certification protocols. This applies to fairs, yatras, and interstate transport. These controls help contain the disease and reduce its spread.
Rapid Response Mechanism
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guide swift containment and isolation of positive cases. Humane handling of infected animals is emphasised. The mechanism involves close coordination with State Animal Husbandry Departments to ensure rapid action and minimise risks.
Capacity Building and Training
Veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and field staff receive specialised training on glanders recognition, reporting, and biosafety. Capacity building strengthens frontline defence against the disease and enhances field-level implementation of protocols.
Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement
The plan includes outreach programmes for horse owners, breeders, and other stakeholders. Awareness campaigns promote cooperation in surveillance and timely disease reporting. Engaging communities is key to successful disease management.
Research and Laboratory Support
DAHD collaborates with the ICAR–National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar. This partnership focuses on advanced diagnostics and epidemiological studies. Research supports evidence-based policy and improves control strategies.
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