Mussoorie, May 10 -- The Rudraprayag district administration has partially lifted restrictions on mule and horse operations along the Kedarnath Dham Yatra route, which were imposed in April following an outbreak of equine influenza. Under a newly introduced system, a trial run commenced on Friday to manage the movement of equines used to transport pilgrims and goods. Dr Neeraj Singhal, director of the animal husbandry department, said, "Following the partial lifting of restrictions, a trial run was launched. The first group of six healthy mules, carrying goods, successfully reached Rudra Point, Kedarnath, at 12:54pm. After a thorough inspection, the mule owners were instructed to rest the animals before beginning the return journey." "All animal health and welfare protocols were strictly followed, ensuring a safe and successful operation," he added. Dr. Singhal emphasised that all animal handlers and owners involved in the pilgrimage must ensure their animals meet the prescribed standards and undergo mandatory medical examinations at designated checkpoints. "To ensure smooth implementation, personnel from the multi-tasking force (MTF) and the police department will support veterinary teams stationed along the route," he said. Dr Ashish Rawat, chief veterinary officer of Rudraprayag, outlined the guidelines for the new protocol. "Special teams of veterinary doctors have been deployed at three key locations-Bhimballi, Lincholi, and Rudra Point-to conduct comprehensive health checks on all horses and mules," he said, adding, "Only animals deemed completely healthy and fit for the journey will be allowed to proceed." Animal husbandry minister Saurabh Bahuguna, during a visit to Sonprayag on Thursday, directed officials to resume the transport of supplies to Kedarnath using only healthy animals from Gaurikund on a trial basis, contingent on thorough veterinary examination. "If the trial proves successful, operations will be expanded to include Sitapur, Rampur, and Trijuginarayan," the minister stated. "Once conditions fully normalise, all registered horses and mules will be allowed on the Yatra route under strict veterinary supervision." "To date, over 16,000 horses and mules have been screened for the virus. Each of the newly established veterinary checkpoints will be manned by 15-member teams to ensure animal well-being. Additionally, the government will offer compensation of Rs.32,000 for each animal death," Bahuguna said. Dr BVRC Purushottam, secretary of animal husbandry, has directed the immediate implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing these operations. He also warned equine operators against seeking treatment from unqualified practitioners, urging them to rely only on certified veterinary personnel. The animal husbandry department announced that the government will provide free treatment for animals kept at quarantine centres. For those owners opting to take their animals home, treatment and fodder will be provided at a 50% subsidy....