Bioterrorism Response Planning

Glanders is primarily a disease of horses, mules, and donkeys, but it can also make people sick. Even though it has been eradicated from the United States, public health authorities consider the bacteria that cause it, Burkholderia mallei, to be a possible bioterrorism agent because it has been used in biological attacks in the past.

A public health emergency following the deliberate release of Burkholderia mallei will require a coordinated response among public health authorities, healthcare providers and facilities, veterinarians, and community leaders. CDC has created information and resources to help prepare an integrated, effective plan to respond to a glanders public health emergency.