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

The Brazilian government does not provide compensation for damages related to glanders, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 25, 2016

“There is a lot of concern among teams of equestrian riders about sending horses, highly valuable horses, to countries where glanders exists,” he said.

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

PREVENTION.—The first step toward the prevention of glanders in man is the systematic restriction and extinction of the affection in animals.

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