Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: An unidentified disease has killed eight Manipuri ponies in the Wabagai area of Kakching district. The deaths occurred over the last two weeks, sparking alarm within the state’s equestrian and polo communities. The first death occurred on August 13. Since September 13, the illness has hit roughly 30 percent of the local pony population.
Representatives from the Manipuri Pony Society, the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, and the Manipur Equestrian Association held a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club. Prof. Ch. Priyoranjan, president of the Manipuri Pony Society, led the briefing alongside H. Deleep Singh, N. Bedajeet Singh, and N. Ibungochoubi. They urged owners to stay vigilant but calm.
Veterinary doctors are monitoring the sick animals. The ponies show high fever, coughing, nasal discharge, swelling, and breathing problems. Symptoms start in the legs and head before the animals decline rapidly. The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services is providing symptomatic treatment to the survivors. Officials stress that cooperation is vital. Owners must report any signs of sickness immediately to the authorities.
Samples were taken from the animals following post-mortem exams. These were shipped to the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines in Haryana on September 23 and September 26 for analysis. Results remain pending. Currently, no cases have appeared in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, or Thoubal districts.
Officials cautioned against calling this an epidemic while data remains scarce. It is unclear if the pathogen threatens other species. As Priyoranjan noted, "The pending test results are expected to help identify the disease and assess whether it poses any wider risk."
Updated at 30th September 2026 at 2:00pm
Conservationists have flagged the recent deaths as a blow to the breed's survival. State livestock records reveal that 129 polo ponies have died over the last 16 years, leaving a surviving population of roughly 1,089. Official figures indicate an average decline of eight ponies annually, a trend that intensifies the pressure on owners struggling to keep the endangered animals alive.
Authorities have explicitly requested that owners and clubs stop hiding suspected cases. They insist that full cooperation with veterinary teams is the only way to track the illness and prevent further losses.
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