What is the natural reservoir of Burkholderia mallei?

Burkholderia mallei is a bacterium that is primarily associated with glanders, an infectious disease that predominantly affects equines, including horses, mules, and donkeys. These animals are considered the natural reservoir for this pathogen. Infected horses can spread the bacterium through respiratory secretions or bodily fluids, making it a significant concern in both animal and human health contexts.

Understanding that horses serve as the primary hosts helps emphasize the importance of monitoring and controlling glanders in equine populations to prevent spillover transmission to humans. This specialization of Burkholderia mallei for horses underscores its ecological role and highlights the need for awareness and protective measures in both veterinary and public health domains.