With just a month left for the Char Dham Yatra, the Animal Husbandry Department, Rudraprayag administration, and panchayat are on high alert to ensure the health and well-being of mules. Registration of mules has been made compulsory in Kedarnath, and during the registration process, 12 mules tested positive for H3N8.

Veterinary doctors from IVRI Mukteshwar are working closely with the administration to stop the spread of the virus before Char Dham Yatra.

According to Uttarakhand Animal Husbandry Minister Saurabh Bahuguna, the department had initiated the registration process early, which helped detect the disease.

Bahuguna stated that approximately 20,000 mules participate in the Char Dham Yatra from four districts. He instructed officials to investigate and quarantine the infected mules. Most of the infected mules have recovered. Additionally, mules entering from outside are being tested in Rudraprayag.

The minister explained that H3N8 is an influenza-like disease that spreads from one mule to another. Bahuguna assured that there’s no need to panic, as the Animal Husbandry Ministry was informed about the outbreak in time. The virus does not affect humans.

What is H3N8 Virus?

H3N8 is a type of influenza A virus that primarily affects horses, mules, birds, and dogs. It spreads through contact with infected animals’ cough, sneeze, contaminated water, feed, or equipment. Symptoms include fever, cough, nasal discharge, weakness, and breathing difficulties. Vaccination, sanitation, and isolating infected animals can prevent the spread of the virus.

– Story Aaj

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