IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Seven Manipuri Ponies have died in Kakching district after being affected by an unidentified disease, prompting horse-related organisations to seek laboratory confirmation on the cause of the deaths.
Manipur Pony Society president Chongtham Priyoranjan said blood samples collected from the ponies after post-mortem examinations were sent to the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines on September 23. The test results are awaited.
Speaking at a press meet jointly organised by the Manipur Pony Society and Manipur Horse Riding Association at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Monday, Priyoranjan said the situation should not be termed an epidemic until the laboratory reports establish the nature of the disease.
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He said the disease has affected around 30 per cent of the pony population in Kakching district since September 13.
According to Priyoranjan, affected ponies show symptoms involving the legs and head before their condition deteriorates. However, he said the exact nature of the disease and its mode of transmission remain unclear.
He added that it is also not known whether the disease affects only Manipuri Ponies or can spread to other animals. The pending blood test reports are expected to provide further clarity on the disease and the risks associated with it.
