Glandered is a term used to describe a horse that has been infected with equine glanders, a contagious and often fatal disease that primarily affects horses and other equidae species. Glanders is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, which is spread through contact with infected horses or contaminated objects such as bedding, feed, or water. The disease can be difficult to diagnose and is considered a serious threat to the equine industry.
Signs and Symptoms of Glanders
Glanders is a serious and contagious disease that can cause a range of symptoms in affected horses, including:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Lameness
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Ulcers on the skin
In severe cases, horses may also develop a severe and often fatal form of pneumonia.
Diagnosing Glanders in Horses
The diagnosis of glanders can be difficult, as the signs and symptoms can be similar to other equine illnesses. A definitive diagnosis of glanders can only be made through laboratory testing. This may include cultures, serologic tests, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests.
Treating Glanders in Horses
Unfortunately, there is no cure for glanders in horses. Treatment typically focuses on managing the symptoms and attempting to prevent the spread of the disease. Antibiotics may be used to help reduce the severity of the symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection.
Preventing Glanders in Horses
The best way to prevent glanders in horses is through good biosecurity practices. This includes:
- Isolating any new horses for at least 30 days
- Disinfecting any equipment used on infected horses
- Avoiding contact with potentially infected horses
- Providing clean, fresh water and feed
- Cleaning and disinfecting stalls and bedding regularly
- Ensuring that all horses are vaccinated against glanders
Glanders Vaccine for Horses
The glanders vaccine is an important part of preventing the spread of this disease. It is recommended that all horses receive the vaccine at least annually, and more frequently if they are at a higher risk of exposure.
Glanders Quarantine for Horses
Any horses suspected of having glanders should be isolated immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Horses that have been exposed to glanders should be quarantined for at least six months, and all equipment used on the horse should be disinfected before it is used on other horses.
Glanders Testing for Horses
Testing for glanders is important to ensure that a horse is not infected. Testing may include cultures, serologic tests, and PCR tests. It is important to note that even if a horse tests negative for glanders, it is still recommended that it be quarantined for at least six months to prevent the spread of the disease.
Glanders in Humans
Glanders is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread from animals to humans. The most common way for humans to contract the disease is through direct contact with infected horses or contaminated objects, such as bedding or feed.
Signs and Symptoms in Humans
In humans, glanders can cause a range of symptoms depending on the severity of the infection. These may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Coughing
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Skin lesions
Treating Glanders in Humans
In humans, glanders is treated with antibiotics. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis to reduce the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Glanders is a serious and contagious disease that can affect both horses and humans. It is important to practice good biosecurity measures and vaccinate horses to help prevent the spread of the disease. If a horse is suspected of having glanders, it should be quarantined and tested immediately. In humans, the disease can be treated with antibiotics, but it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.