Horse Strangles

What is Horse Strangles, Streptococcus Equi ...

How can you spot strangles, (Strep. equi), symptoms, prevent strangles or treat it.

Horse Strangles Nasal Discharge Ever since humans first relied on horses for work and recreation, strangles has been a source of frustration. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi (Strep. equi), and it is one of the most common equine respiratory infections in the world.

It can affect horses of all ages and types. Make sure you know how to prevent it, how to spot it and what to do about it.

Strangles can kill, (in simple cases there is a one percent mortality rate), but the major reason for concern is the speed with which strangles spreads among horses, especially in a stable yard setting.

In large horse populations, established outbreaks may last for months, essentially shutting down equestrian centres and livery or stable yards.

Recovered horses can become carriers and can harbour Strep Equi with no outward clinical signs. Consequently, new or recurrent outbreaks are likely unless costly diagnostic procedures and aggressive quarantine measures are put in place.

Would you know how to manage an outbreak of strangles in your yard?

Results of a recent poll showed not all horse owners are fully aware of the problems caused by Streptococcus equi.

52.45% said - I've got a theoretical quarantine plan ready to go. (300 responses)
28.32% said - I would have to put a plan together at the time of an outbreak. (162 responses)
19.23% said - Honestly, I don't know if I'd recognize the clinical signs of strangles (110 responses)
Total Respondents: 572

What is equine or horse strangles :

Strangles is a respiratory infection of horses, donkeys and ponies caused by Streptococcus equi. It is a highly contagious disease and the most common bacterial infection of horses. Equine Strangles Sores

It affects the lymph nodes and is spread to other horses by direct contact and can be spread by contaminated food, water and equipment.

Horses under 5 years of age are more susceptible than older horses and it most often occurs when the weather is cold and damp.

Once a horse becomes infected the symptoms usually appear within 2 to 6 days. Fever, depression, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes make clinical diagnosis straightforward.

Isolation of Streptococcus equi from the nose and throat (including the guttural pouch) with swabs taken from the nasopharynx and from abscesses will confirm the clinical diagnosis.

How common is the strangles disease :

While strangles is rarely fatal (1% of cases), it is one of the most common equine respiratory infections which causes major economic loss to the equine industry worldwide due to its prolonged course, recovery period and associated serious complications. The International Collating Centre reports that strangles is responsible for 30% of infectious diseases.

In Sweden, where strangles and equine flu are notifiable diseases, there are approximately four cases of strangles for every case of equine flu. Once inside a stable or yard, strangles can quickly spread through direct contact with other horses or via indirect contact with :

Human handlers who feed treats
Horse tack and equipment
Shared feed buckets and drinking bowls
Clothing and rugs
Riders and grooms hands
Transmission frequently occurs through shared water sources where the bacterium lives for longer periods of time.

The bacterium enters the lymph glands via the respiratory tract and may harbour in the guttural pouch. The lymph nodes swell and can rupture, shedding the bacteria into the environment. It is thought that the bacteria can survive in water for at least four weeks, and up to eight weeks on tack or wood.