Brazilian officials said Wednesday they are investigating an outbreak of the highly contagious disease glanders among horses stabled close to the site of next year's Olympic riding contests.
Quarantine of sick horses
The equine disease glanders is causing alarm in the equestrian community in Brazil after a horse testinh positive has been euthanized just as riding events begin to test the Olympic preparations at Rio de Janeiro's Deodoro complex.
The disease is causing alarm in the equestrian community in Brazil over the appearance of the disease just as riding events begin on Thursday to test the Olympic preparations at Rio de Janeiro's Deodoro complex.
The Agriculture Ministry says at least one horse has been diagnosed with glanders and subsequently euthanized to stop the disease from spreading had spent several months at the Army Equestrian Complex in Deodoro, which is just a few hundred meters from the Olympic site.
However, officials insisted there was no risk of the diseaseâwhich can infect humans as wellâspreading to participants during this week's test events.
"The installations where the riding tests for next year's Olympic Games will take place... are under a complete quarantine and rigorous bio-security measures," the ministry said in a statement.
"There are and won't be any health problems during the riding test events."
All 584 horses in the army facility are being subjected to a series of tests with samples sent for analysis at a laboratory in Germany. The tests are to run into October.
Since some of the horses from the army facility have been used at another of the city's riding centers to the south, the approximately 300 horses kept there are also being tested and kept under strict quarantine.
In total, 17 horses diagnosed with glanders are being kept in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, awaiting further examination and possible euthanization.
Glanders is a sometimes fatal, incurable disease which causes ulcers in the respiratory tract and spreads through cuts, sneezing or contaminated food and equipment.
About glanders
Glanders, once common throughout the world, is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia mallei. Programs to eradicate the disease have been successful in many countries, including the United States.
Glanders causes respiratory infection and skin lesions in horses and humans. The disease is spread through close contact with other horses and by contaminated objects, such as brushes and tack. If glanders is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Being aware of the symptoms is important in case of an outbreak in the United States.
The bacteria Burkholderia mallei remains viable for up to a month, and some authorities believe it can survive for more than a year in a favorable environment. The infection or localized disease usually becomes apparent after one to five days. The pulmonary form develops after ten to fourteen days.
Symptoms include yellow-green nasal discharge, ulcers on the nose, enlarged lymph nodes and nodules on the skin, surrounded by inflammation, coughing, fever and sweating, plus rash with pustules and abscesses and weight loss.