glanders

American  

[glan-derz] / ˈglæn dərz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a contagious disease chiefly of horses and mules but communicable to humans, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas mallei and characterized by swellings beneath the jaw and a profuse mucous discharge from the nostrils.

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glanders British  

/ ˈɡlændəz /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a highly infectious bacterial disease of horses, sometimes transmitted to man, caused by Actinobacillus mallei and characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the air passages, skin, and lymph glands

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Other Word Forms

• glandered
  adjective
• glanderous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of glanders

1475–85; < Middle French glandres swollen glands < Latin glandulae swollen glands, literally, little acorns. See gland ¹, -ule

Explanation

Glanders is a dangerous disease that affects horses, causing unpleasant symptoms like fever and skin sores. This awful disease can even spread to humans if left untreated! Glanders is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria. This disease mostly affects horses, donkeys, and mules. In the past, glanders was a big problem, especially for horses used in the military. Although it's rare today, glanders can still spread to humans who come into contact with infected animals. Quick treatment is essential to stop this dangerous disease from spreading, making good veterinary care very important.

Example Sentences

Highly contagious and incurable, glanders has prompted Brazilian agricultural officials to destroy hundreds of horses across the country over the past couple of years in an effort to stop the epidemic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 25, 2016

In 2015, glanders was traced to the Deodoro Military Complex in Rio.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 25, 2016

Coming into contact with glanders could prove fatal.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2016

He mentioned the bacterium glanders, which was reportedly used by Germany in World War I and by Japan in World War II but seemed to Fauci a comparatively minor threat today.

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2011

Therefore, the term was made applicable to the morbid conditions existing in anthrax, glanders, typhus and typhoid fevers, variola, and also all forms of purulent and putrid infections.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various