Horse Compendium

On May 28th 2008, The Royal School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh will be hosting an international strangles conference. The event will be attended by veterinary specialists from around the world, to discuss the recent advancements in research of the prevention of strangles.  The conference is the result of a partnership between The British Horse Society and The Animal Health Trust.

Further information about the conference and booking forms can be found here Animal Health Trust 

What is Strangles?

Strangles (Streptococcus equi) is a highly contagious disease. It is
treatable, but can be fatal. Younger horses are generally more at
risk, but any horse can develop the disease. The incubation period of
Strangles is around 2 weeks, but outbreaks can occur up to 3 weeks or
more after an initial outbreak. New rescued horses should be closely
monitored and swabbed for signs of the disease.

What to look out for: nasal discharge, a high temperature depression,
lack of appetite, cough and swollen glands on the head and neck, these
can develop into abcesses. Once abcesses have formed, they will need
to be lanced by a veterinary surgeon. If you suspect strangles,
contact your vet immediately. Strangles can be transmitted not just
through one horses contact with another, but also through contact via
humans, tack, equipment and feed. So all tack and stable equipment
will need to be disinfected and a strict disinfection routine will
need to be carried out by anyone who has contact with the horse who
then has contact with other equines. ie disinfection of hands, boots
etc. Also people from other areas outside
the infected yard should stay away from the infected area. Any
vehicles leaving the yard should also be disinfected. Strangles is
known to survive longer in water, and outbreaks often occur as a
result of a shared water source.

Treatment is possible with antibiotics but vets generally do not
recommend this due to the fact that antibiotics kill off good bacteria
in the system.Horses kept comfortable and with a good supply of feed
and water will generally fight off the disease with their own immune
system but will need to be monitored carefully, and you will need to
keep in close contact with your vet.

Vaccination: You will need to discuss a vaccination programme with
your vet to see if he thinks vaccination is necessary. Horses at high
risk, ie rescued horses of unknown origin will need to have two
initial vaccinations four weeks apart, followed by a re-vaccination
with a single dose four times a year at three month intervals. If no
outbreak occurs, no additional vaccinations after this are required.

Strangles is also known as ‘bastard’ strangles. It’s not hard to see why!

Puffa, The AHT, & The British Horse Society - Serious About Strangles Campaign

“The AHT and The British Horse Society have joined forces to launch a campaign to increase awareness of Strangles and raise vital funds. Together they plan to raise £250,000 to accelerate research into the development of diagnosis and prevention – ultimately to eliminate the disease. Your donation can help us reach this crucial target.” (from www.seriousaboutstrangles.com) Visit Serious About Strangles for further information.