Florida Horse Strangles Outbreak Highlights Importance Of Biosecurity

Florida Gelding Tests Positive for Strangles: An Overview of the Outbreak

A Quarter Horse gelding in Orange County, Florida, has been diagnosed with strangles, marking the state's 17th confirmed case of this infectious disease in 2025. This occurrence highlights the ongoing challenge faced by horse owners and veterinarians in managing *Streptococcus equi* infections. The case has prompted heightened focus on the necessity of biosecurity measures and effective disease management practices.

What is Strangles?

Strangles is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Streptococcus equi subsp. equi*. Horses afflicted with strangles typically exhibit fever, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and may develop abscesses. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected horses or via contaminated surfaces and equipment. Additionally, horses can become asymptomatic carriers, unknowingly disseminating the bacteria to other horses.

Diagnosing and Treating Strangles

The gold standard for diagnosing strangles is the PCR test, performed on samples collected from nasal swabs or abscesses. When it comes to treatment, the primary aim is to provide supportive care, which includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications and ensuring adequate hydration. Antibiotics are typically reserved for severe cases due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and the potential for prolonging bacterial shedding. This tailored approach highlights the importance of veterinary oversight in the treatment regimen.

Biosecurity Measures: Prevention is Key

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) recommends stringent biosecurity protocols to prevent outbreaks: - **Quarantine newcomers**: New arrivals should be quarantined for 14 to 21 days to reduce the risk of introducing strangles into the herd. - **Sanitize shared equipment**: Proper disinfection using povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine is critical in preventing transmission. - **Separate recovering horses**: Horses that have recovered should remain isolated until PCR tests confirm they are no longer shedding the bacteria. Failing to implement these measures increases the risk of outbreaks, as evidenced by a recent incident where multiple horses were exposed following an infected horse entering a facility without quarantine.

Vaccination: A Layer of Defense

While a vaccine for strangles exists, its efficacy can vary and it does not completely prevent infection. The modified-live intranasal vaccine may reduce the severity of symptoms but does not offer full protection. Veterinarians usually base their vaccination advice on local outbreak statistics and the specific risks faced by individual horses.

Conclusion: Managing Equine Health in the Face of Strangles

The strangles cases reported in Florida in 2025 underscore the importance of comprehensive management strategies in equine health. Detecting and isolating carrier horses, leveraging collaborative industry resources, and advancing research in diagnostics and vaccine development are all part of a multifaceted approach to combating this disease.

Steps for Horse Owners

1. **Vigilant Monitoring**: Keeping a close eye on symptoms can help catch the disease early, preventing broader spread. 2. **Enforced Biosecurity**: Strict separation and sanitation are crucial to keeping the disease at bay. 3. **Veterinary Collaboration**: Working closely with equine health professionals will ensure appropriate testing and treatment strategies. By adhering to best practices and integrating new technologies, the equine community can effectively manage strangles and protect their horses from this recurring threat. Source: Information adapted from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and horse health authorities. For more details, visit [Equimanagement](https://equimanagement.com/news/edcc-health-watch/florida-quarter-horse-positive-for-strangles-2/).

Florida Horse Strangles Outbreak Highlights Importance Of Biosecurity And Vaccination