Mexican Stray Animals Continue to Pose a Disease Threat along the Rio Grande

A Mexican stray donkey has tested positive for Glanders according to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). A USDA mounted quarantine enforcement inspector recently apprehended five Mexican stray donkeys along the Mexico-Texas border north of Presidio. The donkeys were transported to the USDA Presidio holding pens where they were isolated from contact with other animals. One of the five donkeys subsequently tested positive for Glanders. The protocol for equine captured straying into Texas from Mexico is to test them for a number of diseases foreign to the U.S., including Glanders.

Glanders is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects the equids. The disease is characterized by the development of ulcerating growths that are most commonly found in the upper respiratory tract, lungs and skin. Infections are usually fatal. Humans and other animals are also susceptible.

“It is imperative that we remain vigilant in protecting our borders from disease intrusions such as Glanders,” said Dr. Dee Ellis, state veterinarian and TAHC executive director. “Mexican strays continue to pose a huge threat to Texas livestock and to our animal agriculture industry.”

The TAHC is working closely with USDA personnel in monitoring the situation along the border in order to protect Texas from possible disease threats. “Early detection of Glanders and the immediate quarantine of these donkeys was critical in preventing and protecting against the spread of this foreign disease,” Ellis said.

The disease is commonly contracted by consuming food or water contaminated by the nasal discharge of carrier animals. The organism can survive in a contaminated area for more than one year, particularly under humid, wet conditions.

There is no vaccine for Glanders. Prevention and control depend on early detection and elimination of affected animals, as well as complete quarantine.

Glanders was once prevalent worldwide, but it has been eradicated or effectively controlled in many countries, including the United States. The last naturally occurring equine case in the U.S. was in 1942.

Founded in 1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine animals and exotic livestock.

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