Seven ponies have died at an equestrian center located on the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte following a Rhodococcus equi outbreak, according to local agriculture officials.

The Departmental Federation of Farmer’s Unions (FDSEA) of Mayotte reported that two other ponies at the Hajangua equestrian center on the eastern coast of the Mozambique Channel were infected but have been treated and are recovering. Health officials have placed the facility under quarantine until the epidemic is considered resolved.

"The managers of the center have acted very responsibly in this situation, working closely with veterinarians and breeding professionals," an FDSEA press release read.

Guillaume Chenut, DVM, associate director of the region’s Department of Agriculture (DAF), revealed that laboratory analyses results of blood samples taken from horses residing at the equestrian center revealed the presence of R. equi, according to the Internet news site Malango Actualité