Imphal: The deaths of eight ponies in Wabagai area of Manipur’s Kakching district have raised concern among pony owners and the state’s equestrian and polo community, with the cause of the illness yet to be established.
The matter was highlighted at a press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Tuesday, where representatives of leading equestrian and pony organisations called for continued vigilance and timely veterinary intervention.
The press conference was addressed by Prof Ch Priyoranjan, president of the Manipuri Pony Society, in the presence of H Deleep Singh, president of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association; N Bedajeet Singh, technical chairman; and N Ibungochoubi, secretary general of the Manipur Equestrian Association.
Priyoranjan said eight ponies had died in the affected area as of Tuesday, with the first death reported on August 13.
He said the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services has responded to the situation and its personnel have remained on alert. Veterinary teams have been monitoring and attending to the affected ponies, with symptomatic treatment being administered under veterinary supervision.
Samples were collected from eight ponies on September 26 and sent to the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines in Haryana for diagnostic examination, according to information shared at the press conference.
The representatives stressed that no definitive conclusion should be drawn about the cause of the illness until the laboratory findings are received.
Veterinary doctors attending to the affected animals have observed symptoms including high temperature, difficulty in breathing, nasal discharge, swelling and coughing.
The representatives appreciated the response of the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services and stressed the need for coordination among the department, pony owners, equestrian organisations and local authorities.
N Ibungochoubi appealed to pony owners, equestrian clubs and other stakeholders across the state to remain alert without panicking.
He said there had so far been no reports of similar illness among ponies in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts.
Ibungochoubi urged pony owners to closely monitor their animals and report any unusual symptoms, illness or suspected cases to the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services immediately.
He also appealed to pony owners and clubs not to conceal suspected cases and to cooperate with veterinary personnel to facilitate proper assessment and response.
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The Manipuri pony, locally known as Sagol, has a distinctive place in Manipur’s cultural, historical and sporting traditions.
The equestrian and pony organisations said they expected the ongoing veterinary efforts and laboratory investigation to help establish the nature of the illness and guide further measures.
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