14 Lions Killed at Iran Zoo Over Infection Fears

TEHRAN, Iran — Authorities put down 14 lions at the Tehran zoo that had been diagnosed with an infectious bacterial disease that could affect visitors, a local newspaper reported on Monday.

The state-own Jam-e Jam daily reported that the lions were suffering from glanders, a bacterial disease found in horses, donkeys, mules as well as other domesticated animals. It can spread from infected animals to humans. The paper did not say when the lions killed.

Houman Moloukpour, a veterinarian, told the newspapers that the lions most likely contracted the disease because of mismanagement at the zoo.

Moloukpour said over the past two month three lions have died in the zoo after they contracted by glanders, which he said cannot be treated among domesticated animals but wild ones do respond to treatment.

Source

According to the CDC: Glanders (Burkholderia mallei): General Information

What is glanders?

Glanders is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. Glanders is primarily a disease affecting horses, but it also affects donkeys and mules and can be naturally contracted by other mammals such as goats, dogs, and cats. No naturally acquired cases of this disease have occurred in the U.S. in over 60 years. Sporadic cases have occurred from laboratory exposures.

...more interestingly...

Why has glanders become a current issue?

Burkholderia mallei is a potential agent for biological warfare and of biological terrorism. It was used by Germany against Allied forces during World War I, and again in World War II by Japanese forces. It has also been suggested that B mallei was used on a limited basis against the mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980’s.

...but then, they also mention this:

Where is glanders usually found?

Geographically, the disease has been eradicated from most countries; however it is still endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.

According to the article the way the Lions were handled seems to be common practice. As well, the veterinarian's claim of "mismanagement" are most commonly how these outbreaks occur:

Is there a way to prevent infection?

There is no vaccine available for glanders. In countries where glanders is endemic in animals, prevention of the disease in humans involves identification and elimination of the infection in the animal population. Within the health care setting, transmission can be prevented by using standard contact precautions.

The most disturbing part of this is the fact that it has (allegedly) been used as a Bio-weapon. This section in regards to humans doesn't make the fact sit well with me:

Is there a treatment for glanders?

Because human cases of glanders are rare, there is limited information about antibiotic treatment of the organism in humans. Sulfadiazine has been found to be an effective in experimental animals and in humans. Burkholderia mallei is usually sensitive to tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, novobiocin, gentamicin, imipenem, ceftrazidime, and the sulfonamides. Resistance to chloramphenicol has been reported.

Symptoms:

What are the symptoms of glanders?

The symptoms of glanders depend upon the route of infection with the organism. The types of infection include localized, pus-forming cutaneous infections, pulmonary infections, bloodstream infections, and chronic suppurative infections. Generalized symptoms of glanders include fever with chills and sweating, muscle aches, chest pain, muscle tightness, and headache; mucopurulent nasal discharge and light sensitivity with excessive tearing of the eyes may be seen as well.

Localized infections
If there is a cut or scratch in the skin, a localized infection with ulceration may develop within 1 to 5 days at the site where the bacteria entered the body. Swollen lymph nodes may also be apparent. Infections involving the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract will cause increased mucus production from the affected sites. Dissemination to other locations in the body may occur 1-4 weeks after infection.

Pulmonary infections
The disease often manifests itself as pulmonary infection. In pulmonary infections, pneumonia, pulmonary abscesses, and pleural effusion can occur. Chest X-rays will show localized infection in the lobes of the lungs.

Bloodstream infections
Glanders bloodstream infections are usually fatal within 7 to 10 days.

Chronic infections
The chronic form of glanders involves multiple abscesses within the muscles and skin of the arms and legs or in the lungs, spleen, and/or liver.

Additional Sources:
The Washington Post
The Hindu

Google Search Results: 14 lions killed at iran zoo over infection fears

reply to post by UberL33t


How odd. So I wonder is this in relation to the animal deaths? Are international scientists at odds with what is killing the animals. Some definitely say its the cold but others think its a disease. Interesting.

reply to post by packinupngoin


My imagination holds a plethora of potential possibilities, of which would be mostly comprised of "Skunk Works" credibility. Still, simply knowing that this was once (allegedly) used as a Bio-weapon in the past, combined with all the current unexplained animal die offs, sprinkled with a dash of the whole chemtrail debate.

One could begin to tie things together, if merely for a fictional novel. Perhaps this is just a test run using a watered down version. Perhaps, based on these results, is how the real "sweep" will occur.

If anything, it has the makings of a best selling hardback.

Well, this certainly is a great Cover Story when people start dying like the birds and animals!

I really do hate diseases that have so many levels of expression (symptoms), and with this one the degree of which it moves from one completely different kind of animal to the next is astounding. I am certain we will hear more of this soon.

reply to post by Greensage

Well, this certainly is a great Cover Story

...among many others unfortunately.