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

See Examples For:

glanders

Caused by the burkholderia mallei bacteria, glanders can cause ulcers and lesions in the horse’s lungs, skin and respiratory tract.

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

“I think the unknown threat of a mutant microbe is infinitely greater than someone coming and dropping a glanders on us!” he said.

From New York Times ● Oct. 26, 2011

In 1821, Muscroft in England and Schilling in Germany simultaneously reported cases of infection from the horse in which the true symptoms of glanders in man were recognized.

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