What is glanders?

Glanders is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. Glanders is primarily a disease affecting horses, but it also affects donkeys and mules and can be naturally contracted by goats, dogs, and cats. Human infection, although not seen in the United States since 1945, has occurred rarely and sporadically among laboratory workers and those in direct and prolonged contact with infected, domestic animals.

Why has glanders become a current issue?

Burkholderia mallei is an organism that is associated with infections in laboratory workers because so very few organisms are required to cause disease. The organism has been considered as a potential agent for biological warfare and of biological terrorism.

How common is glanders?

The United States has not seen any naturally occurring cases since the 1940s. However, it is still commonly seen among domestic animals in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.

How is glanders transmitted and who can get it?

Glanders is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals. The bacteria enter the body through the skin and through mucosal surfaces of the eyes and nose. The sporadic cases have been documented in veterinarians, horse caretakers, and laboratorians.