Glanders disease confirmed at Bengaluru Turf Club; 2 km entry ban, animal movement restricted. Deadly infection spreads to humans with severe symptoms

Bengaluru authorities have confirmed the outbreak of Glanders disease among horses at the city’s Turf Club, prompting strict containment measures. The Bangalore City District Commissioner, G. Jagadeesh, has declared the Turf Club a Glanders-affected area and ordered restrictions to prevent further spread.

Entry has been prohibited within a 2-kilometre radius of the Turf Club. Movement of horses, donkeys, mules, and other animals has been banned, including their participation in entertainment programs and auspicious events. Officials emphasized that the measures are necessary to safeguard both animal and human health.

Glanders disease is a highly infectious condition primarily affecting horses and donkeys. Caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, it can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food, or water. Human infection is considered dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

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In humans, symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough, and skin lesions. Severe cases may lead to sepsis, a blood infection that can be fatal. In animals, the disease manifests as fever, nasal discharge with pus, lesions in the nose, breathing difficulties, skin pustules, weight loss, and general weakness.

Veterinary and health officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent transmission beyond the affected zone. The public has been urged to avoid contact with equines in the restricted area and report any suspicious symptoms in animals immediately. Authorities stressed that early detection and strict biosecurity are critical to containing the outbreak.

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