Imphal: The Manipur Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services has confirmed an outbreak of Trypanosoma evansi (Surra) among ponies in Hiyanglam and Wabagai areas of Kakching district after eight animals died.
The ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE), Hisar, Haryana, confirmed the diagnosis through email on October 2. The department has since started targeted veterinary treatment for affected animals.
According to a statement by department director L. Arunkumar, the investigation began after reports of severe illness among ponies. The first death was reported on August 13, 2026.
The affected animals showed symptoms including high fever, weakness, nasal discharge, breathing problems and swelling in the limbs and brisket.
Mobile Veterinary Units and teams from local veterinary hospitals provided symptomatic treatment and collected samples for testing on September 24.
The department said Surra is mainly transmitted through the bites of blood-feeding flies and does not pose a zoonotic threat to humans.
Officials have asked pony owners to cooperate with containment teams, reduce exposure to flies, isolate sick animals and maintain proper hygiene.The department has also requested ICAR-NRCE to send an expert team to Manipur for further field assessment.
Pony owners have been advised to report animals showing symptoms to the nearest veterinary facility or through the toll-free hotline 1962.