Imphal: Seven Manipuri ponies have died in Kakching district over the past two weeks following an outbreak of an unidentified illness that has reportedly affected around 30 per cent of the local pony population since September 13.
Representatives of the Manipur Pony Society and the Manipur Horse Riding Association confirmed the deaths at a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Tuesday.
Blood samples collected during post-mortem examinations were sent to the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines on September 23. Laboratory test results are still awaited.
Manipur Pony Society president Professor Ch. Priyoranjan appealed to the public not to panic, saying the outbreak cannot currently be classified as an epidemic until the laboratory findings establish the nature of the disease.
According to Priyoranjan, affected ponies initially develop symptoms involving their legs and head, after which their condition deteriorates rapidly and can result in death.
He said it is not yet clear whether the illness is limited to Manipuri ponies or could also spread to other animals. The pending laboratory results are therefore expected to help determine whether there is any broader risk to livestock.
The outbreak has raised fresh concerns over the conservation of the Manipuri pony, an endangered breed closely associated with the state’s cultural heritage and the history of modern polo.
Recent state government livestock census data show that 129 polo ponies have died over the past 16 years, leaving an estimated population of 1,089. Despite ongoing conservation measures, the population has reportedly declined by an average of around eight ponies annually.
The latest deaths have added to concerns among conservationists and pony owners, who are already facing challenges in maintaining the population of the breed. Manipuri ponies are widely recognised for their historical association with the development of modern polo, which has deep roots in Manipur.