Chandigarh: Days after five cases of Glanders disease, which primarily affects horses, were reported in Haryana, the state government on Sunday issued an advisory highlighting precautionary and zoo-sanitary measures to prevent its spread.
Two cases of the disease were reported in Yamunanagar and three in Sonepat, a spokesman of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying department said.
Glanders, a highly contagious and usually fatal disease, is caused by the bacterium 'Burkholderia mallei'. It occurs primarily in horses, mules and donkeys but can also be contracted by other animals such as dogs, cats and goats.
The infectious disease may also affect humans with a high fatality rate in untreated septicaemia cases. The causative organism is present in nasal exudates and discharges from ulcerated skin of infected animals, the official said.
After an incubation period of three days to two weeks, acutely-affected animals usually have septicaemia, high fever as high as 106 degree Fahrenheit, weight loss and subsequently a thick mucopurulent nasal discharge and other respiratory related signs.
In order to minimise its spread, owners should isolate the animal exhibiting such symptoms. They should keep separate feed and water troughs for sick and healthy animals and bury the leftover fodder instead of throwing it out in the open.
The movement of sick animals should also be restricted. Trained and hygienic persons should be allowed to handle the infected animals.
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