1. Susanne Münstermann Dubai, 26 April 2012
Summary of the Regional Glanders Conference held in Dubai on April 2012
Susanne Münstermann
Dubai, 26 April 2012

2. Courtesy of Dr. U. Wernery
You can see here glanders with bloody mucous membranes of nasal cavities et the skin form farci with the nodules on the skin
Courtesy of Dr. U. Wernery

3. Glanders in a horse
Glanders in a dromedary
Glanders in a donkey

4. Key Considerations
Glanders has reemerged in the Middle East Region in the recent years and caused outbreaks in 5 countries
Many countries in the region are a major hub for horse breeding (Arab horses), racing and competition, hence a lot of movement takes place
Therefore it is of utmost, crucial importance to verify the disease status in the other countries of the region through active surveillance
PRIORITY DISEASE FOR THE REGION

5. Recommendations
To include Glanders into the Action Plan of the OIE Regional Representation for 2012 – 2016
To develop, together with other international institutions, an Eradication Plan for Glanders (with priority for this region), possibly under the auspices of a Specialized Commission – e.g. GF-TADs?
To advocate for more transparency in the reporting to OIE by countries of the region, so that Veterinary Certification can be trusted
To provide specific support to Iraq which is endemic for Glanders

6. Other considerations
There appears to be a need for closer cooperation between Government departments and the equine industry
Further improve the available laboratory testing methods at national level, including other tests than the OIE prescribed test (CFT), such as cELISA and Westernblot in order to increase diagnostic specificity
CFT–positive equine glanders sera in rows 1 and 2

7. Recommendations
Establish specific units/linkages in Governments to liaise with National Equestrian Federations (e.g. Brazil)
Establish closer cooperation with the two OIE Reference Laboratories (Dubai and Jena) on capacity building and testing for surveillance
Request for inter-governmental assistance regarding the costs of the services provided by the Laboratory in Dubai (as compared to free services by Jena)
Update the Code and Manual Chapters on Glanders

8. Other considerations
It was acknowledged that certain groups of horses represent “low risk groups” because of their husbandry, biosecurity, and intensive veterinary supervision.
New concepts for dealing with this group of horses have been elaborated
Additionally, to establish the concept of EDFZ for specific, high level events, such as Olympics, World Cup, Word Equestrian Games etc

9. Recommendation
Elaborate the new concept of “horse sub-population” if it fulfills the following conditions:
The list of registered horses is reliable
Specific biosecurity measures, certified by Vet Services, are in place
Limited to specific events, certified by Vet Services
in close collaboration with FEI (taking the lead by providing the first draft of this biosecurity guide)
Elaborate and standardize the EDFZ concept and present to Member Countries for adoption

10. Other considerations
The concept of “zonal freedom” and of “self-declaration of freedom” were elaborated and recommended as an option to countries of the region to increase trust and transparency (e.g. Kuwait provided self-declaration of freedom)
A prerequisite for declaration of disease freedom is Identification and Traceability

11. Recommendation
Countries should study these concepts of zonal freedom and self-declaration following the OIE Standards and make more use of them (e.g. Bahrain – southern zone can export to EU)
Introduce identification systems, preferably micro-chipping in addition to the studbook registration already in place and FEI passport and register all sanitary and movement information on the chip and in a related database

12. Other considerations
There is a need for better education and communication to the public, specifically the horse owners, on the disease and its public health importance

13. Recommendations
Produce and distribute widely information material, including the OIE disease fact sheet on Glanders ( and organise communication campaigns.
FEI to include in their training programs strong messages about Glanders and its importance

14. Thank you for your attention
Organisation mondiale de la santé animale
World Organisation for Animal Health
Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal
12 rue de Prony, Paris, France - –