Understanding and Protecting Against Equine Strangles: A Horse Owner's Guide
Recent news about horses testing positive for strangles in the U.S. might have raised questions in your mind. What is strangles, and how can you protect your horse from it? Here's a crash course on this infectious equine disease and what you can do to keep your horse safe.
What is Strangles?
Strangles, scientifically known as Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is an infection in horses [source].
It’s spread through direct contact between horses or via contaminated surfaces. Even horses not showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria. It's particularly serious because though a horse may recover, it can remain contagious for at least six weeks and can cause outbreaks long-term.
What are the Symptoms of Strangles?
An infected horse can demonstrate a variety of clinical signs which include:
- Fever
- Swollen and/or abscessed lymph nodes
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing or wheezing
- Muscle swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
If you observe any of these symptoms in your horse, contact your vet right away.
How is Strangles Treated?
Veterinarians typically diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample. Most cases are treated based on clinical signs, with antibiotics only used for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. The good news is, most horses make a full recovery within three to four weeks.
Can Strangles be Prevented?
At present, a vaccine for strangles is available but isn’t always effective. Prevention often comes down to sound biosecurity measures such as isolating new horses and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and disinfection.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
While strangles is a cause for concern due to its contagious nature and potential for long-term outbreaks, there's a lot you can do to protect your horse. Be aware of the common symptoms and act quickly if they appear. Implement strict biosecurity measures at your facility, especially when introducing new horses.
It's essential to maintain a good working relationship with your veterinarian and other equine healthcare professionals to ensure your horse remains in optimal health. Remember, when in doubt, always consult an experienced equine professional.
Understanding horse health issues like strangles helps keep our equine friends happy and healthy. It also reinforces the importance of ongoing education and early detection in managing equine diseases.
Remember this sage advice: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, particularly when it comes to equine health. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and here’s to healthy horses!Article reference: "Four Washington Horses Positive for Strangles", The Horse, 2024.