Overview

• Fourteen horses and mules used for the Kedarnath pilgrimage died on May 4 and 5, prompting immediate suspension of pack animal services.
• Initial symptoms in the deceased animals, including nasal discharge, suggest equine influenza, though officials suspect a bacterial infection as the cause.
• Expert teams from ICAR and Delhi–Haryana veterinarians have been dispatched to conduct RT-PCR tests and investigate the outbreak.
• Only animals testing negative in RT-PCR will be allowed back into service, while those testing positive will be quarantined for 10–15 days.
• Despite the fatalities, the Char Dham Yatra will continue with enhanced safety measures for both animals and pilgrims.