Understanding Strangles A Contagious Equine Respiratory Disease And It

Strangles: Understanding the Equine Respiratory Disease and Its Recent Outbreak

In November 2025, a weanling Oldenburg colt in Calvert County, Maryland, tested positive for strangles, a notorious equine respiratory disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by the Equine Disease Communication Center's Health Watch, underscoring the ongoing struggle within the equine industry to manage this highly contagious condition. But what exactly is strangles, and what measures can be taken to prevent its spread? Let's delve into understanding this disease and the necessary precautions.

An Overview of Strangles

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by *Streptococcus equi* subspecies *equi*. The infection mainly targets the lymph nodes around the throat and jaw, leading to swelling and abscess formation. This can cause a dramatic presentation due to the affected horse's difficulty with breathing and swallowing.

How Does Strangles Spread?

The transmission of strangles occurs through direct contact between horses or via contact with contaminated surfaces, such as feed buckets, water troughs, and equipment. A unique challenge presented by this disease is that asymptomatic horses—those not showing symptoms—can still transmit the infection. Horses can remain contagious for up to six weeks after recovery, creating an extended risk of outbreaks within equine facilities.

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

Pity the poor horse suffering from strangles, as it comes with a suite of unpleasant symptoms! After an incubation period of 3 to 8 days, telltale signs include a high fever (often exceeding 103°F), thick nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw and throat, depression, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, complications can result in abscesses in guttural pouches, a peculiar condition akin to having a backyard pool in your head. For diagnosis, a veterinarian typically performs a PCR test on nasal swabs or abscess samples. For those unfortunate horses suspected to be carriers, an endoscopic examination might be necessary, akin to undergoing the dreaded nasal swab times ten.

Treatment and Management

What does the doctor order for strangles? Mostly rest and supportive care! In uncomplicated cases, treatment revolves around managing symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications, providing a warm and dust-free environment, and encouraging hydration and nutrition. A neat trick for encouraging drainage: warm compresses on swollen lymph nodes—kind of like a warm hug for your horse's jaw. The role of antibiotics in strangles treatment is a bit of a dicey one. In uncomplicated cases, antibiotics may prolong the disease. However, for horses showing signs of severe distress or complications, antibiotics such as procaine penicillin may be necessary. Recovery usually occurs within three to four weeks, with many horses developing temporary immunity.

Prevention with a Dash of Common Sense

When it comes to preventing strangles, think of quarantine as your electronic fence keeping your data—er, horses—safe from harm. All new arrivals should undergo a three-week quarantine and testing before joining the herd. Similarly, confirmed cases should be isolated immediately. Additionally, maintaining hygiene is crucial. Regular disinfection of shared equipment and avoiding the communal use of tack or buckets can go a long way toward preventing contamination. Does vaccination help? It can, by reducing severity and limiting transmission rates. But don't throw a vaccination party too soon; it’s not 100% effective and should only be given to healthy horses, as giving it to recently exposed horses can lead to a rather nasty condition called purpura hemorrhagica.

Keeping Strangles at Bay

Farms struggling with recurring strangles cases might need to look for asymptomatic carriers through endoscopic examination of their horses. Identifying and treating carrier horses can help stop the cycle of infection. After all, strangles is like that party guest who refuses to leave—once you've found them, get them out!

The Broader Impact

The recent case in Maryland serves as a reminder of the complex challenges that strangles presents to horse owners and caretakers. Proactive measures, rigorous biosecurity, and informed vigilance are essential in managing strangles and ensuring that it doesn't gallop its way into a full-blown epidemic. Preventing strangles certainly isn't child's play, but with the right strategies, it is possible to keep this unruly equine disease in check. While strangles remains a pesky and irritating guest in the world of horse health, it’s comforting to know that it can be managed effectively with diligence and dedication. Sources: - [The Equine Disease Communication Center](https://thehorse.com/1134268/maryland-oldenburg-colt-tests-positive-for-strangles/) - [Understanding Strangles in Horses](https://www.sehtx.com/understanding-strangles-in-horses/)

Understanding Strangles A Contagious Equine Respiratory Disease And Its Latest Maryland Outbreak