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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Glanders and the risk for its introduction through the inter...
Equine veterinary journal2016; 48(5); 654-658; doi: 10.1111/evj.12599

Glanders and the risk for its introduction through the international movement of horses.

Abstract: Glanders is the contagious zoonotic disease caused by infection with Burkholderia mallei. It affects primarily horses, donkeys and mules. The disease was eradicated from large areas of the Western world in the early 20th century, but, over the last 10-20 years, has emerged and re-emerged in areas in which it was previously unknown or had been eradicated. Although glanders was previously thought to manifest in only acute or chronic presentations, it now appears that B. mallei can produce latent infections similar to those caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. These latent infections may or may not be detectable by current diagnostic tests. The diagnostic test currently recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties [OIE]) for international trade in equids is the complement fixation test (CFT). This test has been shown to have varying sensitivities and specificities depending on the antigen and methodology used. False positives are problematic for the horse-owner and veterinary authority, whereas false negatives may allow the reintroduction of B. mallei into B. mallei-free areas. These gaps in knowledge of the epidemiology of glanders, and weaknesses in its diagnosis, coupled with the increased movement of equids, indicate that infection with B. mallei remains a major risk in the context of international movement of equids.
© 2016 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2016-07-22 PubMed ID: 27288893DOI: 10.1111/evj.12599Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article focuses on Glanders, a contagious disease that principally affects equine species, and discusses the risks associated with its transmission due to the global movement of horses. It addresses the difficulties in diagnosing the disease, and highlights the potential for false positives and negatives affecting disease control efforts.

Understanding Glander’s Disease

  • The research begins by highlighting Glanders as a contagious zoonotic ailment primarily impacting horses, donkeys, and mules. The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei.
  • The disease was largely eliminated from the Western world in the early 20th century. However, it has seen a resurgence in areas where it was either previously unknown or believed to have been eradicated.
  • The study points out a new understanding that B. mallei, the bacteria causing Glanders, can produce latent, or “hidden,” infections similar to those caused by the related bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. These latent infections could potentially go undetected by current diagnostic procedures.

Challenges in Diagnostic Testing

  • The paper highlights the diagnostic test currently recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for the international trade of equids – the complement fixation test (CFT).
  • The study brings light to the concern that the CFT has demonstrated varying results, including both sensitivities and specificities, depending on both the antigen and methodology used.
  • The incorrect diagnostic results pose massive problems; for example, false positives can cause challenges for horse owners and veterinary authorities, and false negatives might inadvertently permit the reintroduction of B. mallei into areas previously declared free from the bacteria.

High-Risk Factors and Future Implications

  • The paper concludes that these gaps in our understanding of Glanders’ epidemiology and the weaknesses in its diagnosis, combined with the increased international movement of horses, make the infection with B. mallei a significant risk.
  • Therefore, international equine trade necessitates diligent disease monitoring and more research into more accurate diagnosing of glanders to prevent the spread of this serious disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Kettle AN, Wernery U. (2016). Glanders and the risk for its introduction through the international movement of horses. Equine Vet J, 48(5), 654-658. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12599

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 48
Issue: 5
Pages: 654-658

Researcher Affiliations

Kettle, A N B
  • Equine International Consultancy FZ LLE, Dubai, UAE.
Wernery, U
  • Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, UAE.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Glanders / transmission
  • Horses
  • Internationality
  • Risk Factors
  • Transportation
  • Zoonoses

Citations

This article has been cited 26 times.
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