Strangles is a highly infectious disease of horses characterised by mucopurulent (or pus-like) inflammation of the respiratory tract and an associated nasal discharge. Affected horses usually have a fever and concurrent swollen lymph nodes below the jaw.

Cause : The disease is caused by an organism called Streptococcus equi equi and is often confused with other organisms which can also cause a purulent nasal discharge. It is important therefore to isolate and culture the organism before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Transmission : Strangles occurs when susceptible horses are exposed to an infective horse or a chronic shedder. After an incubation period of about 3 – 7 days, the horse develops a fever, becomes depressed, is off its food and may have lymph node swellings below the jaw. Some older horses, which have been exposed to the disease some time in the past, may show atypical signs of strangles with a mucoid nasal discharge, cough and a mild fever.

Care : Horses that have recently been in contact with horses with a confirmed case of strangles should have their body temperature measured twice a day for 7-10 days. A rise in temperature above normal should alert you to the possibility of strangles in your horse.

Treatment : Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can be used in these cases under the supervision of your veterinarian. Furthermore, lymph node abscesses can be treated with a warm compress to encourage the maturation of the abscess.

Management Practices for infected animals : Management practices are important in limiting the spread. Sick horse should be isolated for 4 weeks and not travel during this period. Contaminated stalls and paddocks should be considered infective for 2 months as the bacteria can persist in the environment for a prolonged period of time depending on temperature and humidity. Stalls and floats can be cleaned with disinfectants to reduce the spread of the disease.

Reduce the Spread of the disease: Once a horse becomes infected it can spread the bacteria to other stock via contaminated water buckets, feed bins, gear, halters and grooming equipment. For this reason, sick horses need to be isolated and have their own gear not shared with other horses. Your hygene is of the upmost importance, disinfect any clothing, footware and especially your hands.

Prevention : Vaccination is helpful. For primary immunisation, horses 3 months of age or older should be given three doses 2 weeks apart. Horses, which have been in contact with infective horses and are not sick and have a normal temperature, can be vaccinated intramuscularly with either a Strangles vaccine or a Strangles/tetanus vaccine. A booster against strangles should be given annually or prior to competing in shows where exposure to unfamiliar horses is common. Make sure your Vet notifies the corect authorities with regard to any outbreak your stud experiences..

FOAL CARE