In an effort to prevent the spread of Glanders, a contagious and often fatal disease affecting equines, Dharma Donkey Sanctuary, located in Sagroli, launched a focused awareness campaign targeting donkey owners in rural areas of Nanded district.
Glanders, also known locally as Farsi, is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia mallei. It primarily affects horses, mules, and donkeys and can also be transmitted to humans. The disease has high mortality rates and no guaranteed cure, making prevention the only reliable safeguard.
Responding proactively to a recent suspected case of Glanders in the region, the District Collector’s office had instructed strict preventive measures. In alignment with these directives, Dharma Donkey Sanctuary decided to step in to educate and empower the local donkey-rearing community.
The awareness campaign was conducted on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20 at Alandi and Borgaon Thadi villages in Biloli taluka. These locations were strategically chosen due to their high concentration of equine owners and proximity to the area where the suspected case was reported.
During the sessions, donkey owners participated in interactive meetings led by experts who explained the nature and seriousness of the Glanders disease. The discussions covered its causes, symptoms, transmission modes, diagnosis, and effective prevention practices.
To facilitate better understanding, visual educational materials such as banners, posters, and infographics were used. These helped bridge the literacy gap and made scientific information accessible to all attendees.
The sessions emphasized bio-security measures like isolating infected animals, regular veterinary check-ups, proper disposal of animal waste, and maintaining hygienic living conditions for the animals.
Veterinary expert Dr. Nihal Mulla from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sagroli provided scientific insights, explaining how Glanders bacteria thrive and how the infection spreads among animals and potentially to humans handling them.
He also addressed the lack of effective treatment and the importance of early detection and immediate reporting of suspected symptoms to authorities for timely containment.
The disease’s signs, such as nasal discharge, ulcers, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, were demonstrated using visuals. Attendees were urged to avoid sharing water troughs or harnesses between animals, and to report any suspicious symptoms immediately.
Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging that they previously had little to no knowledge about Glanders. Many said they now feel better equipped to protect their animals and their own families from this dangerous disease.
One of the donkey owners said, “We had never even heard of this disease. Now, after this session, we know how important it is to maintain hygiene and watch for symptoms.”
This campaign is part of Dharma Donkey Sanctuary’s broader mission to ensure equine welfare and protect the livelihoods of donkey-owning communities, who often belong to marginalized and economically vulnerable sections of society.
Dharma Donkey Sanctuary’s Trustee Mr. Abhijeet Mahajan spoke about the need for community-level cooperation and stronger linkages between animal health professionals and local farmers.
He emphasized that awareness, combined with timely action, can prevent tragic losses and unnecessary suffering — both animal and human.
Team members Bhaskar Buchchalwar, Sachin Yermalkar, and a team of volunteers were actively involved in organizing the sessions, mobilizing communities, and facilitating the interactions.
The sanctuary plans to conduct follow-up visits and distribute informational leaflets to ensure the messaging is reinforced and communities remain vigilant.
This awareness initiative marks a significant step in grassroots veterinary public health education, highlighting the role of civil society organizations in supporting government efforts.
Dharma Donkey Sanctuary continues to work toward a future where every working animal is healthy, protected, and valued, and where their caretakers are informed and empowered.
