Understanding the Strangles Outbreak at Saratoga Race Course
In May 2023, horse owners and race enthusiasts were startled by reports of a Strangles outbreak at the prestigious Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga County, New York. This particular event, while concerning, provided a vivid reminder of the importance of biosecurity and vigilant health practices within equine environments.What is Strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease in horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. If you're wondering how a horse catches Strangles, think of it as the equine version of strep throat in humans. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Although not usually fatal when diagnosed and treated properly, Strangles' contagious nature makes it a significant threat, especially in close-quartered environments like race tracks.Details of the Outbreak
The trouble began when a 2-year-old Thoroughbred colt from Barn 85 at Saratoga began to show signs of respiratory distress. This colt, trained by Jeremiah Englehart, was quickly transported to the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital where tests confirmed the presence of Strangles. Following this, Barn 85 was placed under a strict quarantine to prevent further spread. Horses from this barn were barred from racing and restricted to isolated training sessions to control the outbreak.Importance of Biosecurity Measures
The outbreak highlighted the pivotal role of biosecurity in equine disease management. The quarantine of Barn 85 wasn't just a cursory action; it came with stringent measures:- 24-Hour Security Watch: Continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access to quarantined horses.
- Regular Temperature Checks: Ongoing monitoring to catch any new cases early.
- Controlled Access: Restricted entry to maintain a germ-free perimeter.
- Isolated Training: Allowing asymptomatic horses to train separately after regular hours to avoid contact.
