Glanders is a contagious, zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia mallei, a member of the B. pseudomallei complex distinct from the agent of melioidosis [1][2]. It is recognized as a zoonotic agent capable of transmitting from infected animals to humans [1].
Disease overview
Bacterial Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Glanders is a contagious zoonotic infection caused by Burkholderia mallei that primarily affects equids but can also involve other animals and humans [1]. The disease remains endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, while having been eliminated from North America, Australia, and most of Europe through animal culling and import controls [1]. No licensed vaccine exists, and the pathogen's traits have led to its classification as a category B priority pathogen with potential bioweaponization concern [1].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
Infected animals and humans may develop nodular lesions in the lungs and ulceration of the upper respiratory tract mucous membranes [1]. The acute form presents with coughing, fever, and infectious nasal discharge, progressing to septicaemia and death within days [1]. Chronic infection is marked by nasal and subcutaneous nodules that ulcerate, with death possible over months and survivors becoming carriers [1].
Glanders primarily occurs in horses, mules, and donkeys, with spillover to dogs, cats, pigs, goats, and humans [1]. It is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, and has been eradicated from North America, Australia, and most of Europe via surveillance, destruction of infected animals, and quarantine [1]. The United States reported no cases after 1945 until a 2000 laboratory accident, and the United Kingdom has recorded none since 1928, with the disease designated notifiable there [1].
Infection usually arises through ingestion of contaminated animal feed or drinking water [1]. Transmission occurs via direct contact with infected body fluids and tissues, with the bacterium entering through skin abrasions, nasal or oral mucosal surfaces, or by inhalation [1].
Control in animal populations relies on zoological observation, destruction of infected or sick animals, and quarantine restrictions on animal importation, measures that eradicated the disease from several regions [1]. No vaccine is licensed for human use in the United States, and the absence of vaccines contributes to the pathogen's consideration as a bioweaponization candidate [1].
- 1 Wikipedia contributors. Glanders - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glanders
- 2 Rhodes KA et al. Antibiotic resistance in Burkholderia species. Drug Resist Updat. 2016 Sep. PMID: 27620956. doi: 10.1016/j.drup.2016.07.003. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27620956/
- A24.0-A24.4
- 1B92
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Glanders: An ancient and emergent disease with no vaccine or treatment on site
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Multicomponent gold nano-glycoconjugate as a highly immunogenic and protective platform against Burkholderia mallei
npj Vaccines
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