AHMEDABAD : Horses all over the country are falling prey to equine influenza (EI). And, the virus has raised its head in the state too. As per a survey commissioned by the army across India recently, it's been found that 5,400 horses are infected so far. The debilitating disease, which can be transferred to humans, affects thoroughbreds most severely. But, it can be picked up by indigenous species, donkeys and, potentially, one of the jewels of Gujarat wild ass. Virendra Kankariya, founder of Equestrian Club of Gujarat, and owner of Elina Stables near Ahmedabad, says: "There are definitely cases of EI in the state. I have five animals at the stable showing symptoms. One has tested positive for the virus." Adds Dr Truptesh Patel, veterinarian at Elina stables, "The pathogen is normally found in donkeys, but they rarely suffer from the disease. However, the wild ass is a species of the horse family, so it can be affected." Union health ministry has already suspended racing in Mumbai and Delhi after the outbreak of EI in Pune and Delhi. Inter-state movement of horses has also been banned for three months. However, Gujarat government failed to take cognisance of this and went ahead with planning a horse show in Gandhinagar. The show, which has thankfully been cancelled, was due to take place from November 20 to 23. It's another matter that the show was cancelled as it has been merged with Swarnim Gujarat celebrations to be held in December-end. Dr AJ Kacchia Patel, joint director, department of animal husbandry says, "The show was not cancelled because of influenza outbreak as Gujarat has been untouched so far." Serum samples sent for testing from the state have all shown negative results. People at Pushkar fair held last month say at least 80 per cent of the horses there were showing signs of infection and some even died, says Dr Patel. Infected animals have to be quarantined as they can spread the virus in a seven to eight km radius. The virus is air-borne and can also be transmitted through vectors like lice and fleas, or even contaminated reins, saddles or dung. Diseased animals show heavy nasal discharge, fever and weakness. In thoroughbreds the hind legs get so weak that the animal can collapse. The fatality rate is about one per cent, explains Dr Patel.