Definition

Noun 1. A contagious and often fatal bacterial disease primarily affecting horses, donkeys, and mules: Glanders is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. It is characterized by the formation of nodular lesions in the lungs and ulceration of the mucous membranes, particularly in the nasal passages. The disease can be transmitted to humans, making it a zoonosis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The outbreak of glanders in the cavalry's horses led to a strict quarantine of the entire stable.
  • Veterinarians in the 19th century were very familiar with glanders, as it was a major cause of death among working equines.
  • Due to its severity, glanders is a reportable disease in many countries.

Advanced Usage

• "to contract glanders": to become infected with the disease.
  • Several horses in the region were feared to have contracted glanders.
• Historical/Eradication Context: While once common worldwide, glanders has been eradicated in many countries through strict control measures. It is now considered a re-emerging threat in some areas and is also classified as a potential agent for bioterrorism.
  • Modern biosecurity protocols have made glanders a rare disease in North America and Western Europe.

Variants and Related Words

• Farcy (n): A chronic, cutaneous form of glanders, often involving the lymphatic vessels and characterized by skin ulcers and cord-like lesions. It is caused by the same bacterium.
  • The mule was diagnosed with farcy, the cutaneous manifestation of glanders.

Synonyms

• Equinia (n): A less common, technical synonym for glanders.
• Malleus (n): Another technical term, derived from the scientific name of the causative agent.

Related Phrases and Terms

• "Glanders test": Refers to diagnostic procedures, such as the mallein test, used to identify infected animals.
  • All imported horses must undergo a mandatory glanders test.
• "Zoonotic disease": A category of diseases transmissible from animals to humans, which includes glanders.
  • Handlers must take precautions as glanders is a zoonotic disease.

Noun

1. a destructive and contagious bacterial disease of horses that can be transmitted to humans