Disease strikes horses, Mysore races suspended

BANGALORE: A highly contagious disease has struck over a dozen horses, forcing the Turf Authority of India to clamp a 30-day ban on races at the Mysore Race Club. The Turf Authority's veterinary commission has banned horses' movement in and out of Mysore until it gives the go-ahead signal.
Strangles is a disease caused by bacteria, which affects lymph nodes.If not treated in time, the disease could prove fatal to the animals.
The Mysore regular season was scheduled to start on August 15. The club has isolated the affected 14 horses, besides starting treatment on them. The Bangalore Turf Club, too, has introduced safety measures, imposing a 48-hour cooling-off time on professionals coming from Mysore to enter its premises. Most top jockeys who ride at all centres have chosen not to visit Mysore as they may have to miss out on events at other clubs.