Strangles Outbreak in Rhode Island Highlights Urgent Need for Equine B

A Frightening Day for Equine Health: Strangles Outbreak in Rhode Island

There are few things that stir more apprehension in the equine community than the word "strangles". On September 19, a 21-year-old Friesian gelding at a Providence County boarding facility, welcomed an uninvited guest: *Streptococcus equi* equi, the bacteria responsible for strangles. This incident emphasizes the necessity for robust biosecurity and highlights the role of vaccination, containment practices, and the incredible vigilance of equine health organizations such as the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).

Understanding Strangles: A Quick Overview

Strangles is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes of horses. It is notorious for its rather descriptive moniker—a nod to the difficulty in swallowing horses experience due to enlarged, infected lymph nodes. Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, coughing, and, in severe cases, airway obstruction. The disease spreads predominantly through direct contact but can also linger on contaminated surfaces, with asymptomatic carriers silently perpetuating its spread.

The Role of The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)

For those keeping a watchful eye on horse health, the EDCC is a lighthouse in stormy seas. This independent organization provides vital information on disease outbreaks, ensuring horse owners, facilities, and veterinarians stay informed and ready to act. They facilitate the rapid dissemination of verified reports like the Rhode Island case, ensuring that response efforts are quick and effective.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Navigating the Clinical Maze

Diagnosing strangles usually involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on samples from nasal swabs, washes, or abscesses. In our Rhode Island case, a nasopharyngeal wash confirmed the presence of the wild strain of *S. equi* via PCR. While antibiotics can be deployed, they're typically reserved for severe cases to avoid inhibiting the development of natural immunity. Instead, treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, managing fever, and caring for abscesses. Recovery usually spans three to four weeks—with a little patience and a lot of TLC doing most of the heavy lifting.

Vaccines and Limitations

A strangles vaccine does exist; however, its efficacy can vary. Our protagonist gelding had been vaccinated in April, yet still contracted the disease. This underlines the vaccine's limitations, while simultaneously shining a spotlight on the importance of comprehensive biosecurity measures. Vaccination should be seen as a tool in the broader arsenal of equine health measures, not a solitary line of defense.

Biosecurity: The Unwavering Sentinel

Faced with vaccination’s gaps, biosecurity practices rise to prominence. Facilities must enforce rigorous sanitation standards, quarantine newly arrived horses, and regularly monitor animals for clinical signs of disease. Simple practices, such as disinfecting equipment and quarantining symptomatic horses, are indispensable in preventing outbreaks.

What Happened in Rhode Island: A Case in Point

Our Rhode Island horse presented with chronic unilateral nasal discharge, mistakenly attributed to a past head injury. Upon referral for a descemetocele (a fancy term for a type of corneal ulcer for those who aren't equine ophthalmologists), further tests revealed the presence of strangles. The horse was immediately quarantined—a swift measure in preventing the infection's spread within the facility. In the aftermath of the Rhode Island incident, the equine community is reminded of the relentless vigilance required to manage strangles. Despite diagnostic and vaccination advancements, the disease remains a resilient adversary. This confirmed case serves as a timely reminder of the unyielding nature of equine health challenges and stresses the importance of comprehensive strategies to deal with such situations.

Final Thoughts

The Rhode Island strangles case is a sobering reminder of the omens that loom over equine management. Nonetheless, under the guidance of institutions like the EDCC and armed with comprehensive resources such as vaccines and biosecurity measures, the community is better equipped for the battles ahead. Maintaining awareness, employing thorough practices, and staying educated will ensure that even when strangles comes trotting through the barn doors uninvited, we're capable of showing it a way out. For further reading, visit: [The Horse](https://thehorse.com)

Strangles Outbreak in Rhode Island Highlights Urgent Need for Equine Biosecurity and Vaccination Practices