Diseases with Horse-to-Human Transmission

infected saliva with the eyes nose or mouth or broken skin.
Humans Symptoms in humans include fever headache itching at the site of infection and pain. People who are infected can become hyperexcitable or suffer from generalized paralysis and death occurs within two to ten days. In rare cases of survivors severe neurological disorders may result.
IMPORTING HORSES INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
In addition those who import horses andor travel to other countries for equinerelated business and activities should consider precautions against
Anthrax
Anthrax is caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium which can survive in the soil for decades. The bacteria produce a toxin that breaks down cells in infected tissues. Bacterial spores have historically been weaponized in aerosolized form and are considered possible agents of biological attack or bioterrorism.
Horses In horses the clinical signs of anthrax vary depending on whether the horse ingested the bacteria or it was transmitted through an insect bite. Fever loss of appetite inflammation of the small intestine enteritis colic and bloody diarrhea can occur if the horse ingests the bacteria. Death typically results in two to four days. For cases in which anthrax is introduced via insect bite clinical signs include swelling at the site of the bite and on the neck chest belly and genitals.
Transmission The disease can be transmitted from horses to humans through handling of infected animals.
Humans In humans anthrax may be cutaneous inhalational or gastrointestinal. The cutaneous form is the most common and the type that can be transmitted from horses. This form results when the bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin. Lesions with black centres appear on the skin of the arms hands face and neck within two to three days. Death is rare with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Treatment and Prevention Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential to a successful outcome in both species. Although a human vaccine is available vaccination is not recommended for the average person since the vaccine is not easily accessible and the risk of infection is considered low in the United States. A vaccine is available for horses but is generally only recommended for horses in areas that are known to be contaminated. Anthrax is a reportable disease in Canada and the United States the appropriate agency must be contacted immediately.
Glanders
The bacteria Burkholderia mallei causes glanders and infection and is fatal in most species.
Horses Infection in horses can result in pusforming lesions on the skin and respiratory infections.
The source of infection is discharge from the nose and skin of infected equids. The primary route of infection is believed to be ingestion of feed or water contaminated by B. mallei although inhalation and skin exposure may occur. Infected equipment tack and clothing can also transmit the bacteria. Some infected horses show no symptoms but can serve as sources of infection by shedding B. mallei intermittently or constantly.
Transmission People can get the disease through direct contact with infected animals.
Humans Symptoms in humans include fever muscle pain chest pain light sensitivity and headache. If the bacteria get into the bloodstream the infection can be fatal without treatment.
Treatment and prevention Antibiotics are used to treat cases of glanders in people. Equine cases are not treated in the United States. Since it is contagious and can be fatal in humans the bacterium is considered a potential agent of bioterrorism Tier 1 biological agent. All horses imported to the United States are tested for glanders to prevent introduction of the disease. Glanders is a reportable disease in the United States suspected cases must be reported immediately.