Understanding Strangles In Horses Symptom Transmission And Prevention

Strangles in Horses: A Persistent Concern in Equine Health

Strangles, an infection instigated by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, remains a leading challenge in equine health worldwide. The recent case of a 12-year-old draft cross gelding in Genesee County, Michigan, who tested positive for this disease, accentuates the ongoing threat it poses to the equine community. This article dives into the details of Strangles, from symptoms and diagnosis to prevention strategies and the role of the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).

Understanding the Contagion: Symptoms and Transmission

Strangles primarily affects the lymph nodes around a horse’s throat and jaw, making it a highly contagious upper respiratory infection. **Symptom onset generally occurs within 3-8 days of exposure**, including fever, thick nasal discharge, coughing, and notable swelling of lymph nodes. The fever often exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), leading to lethargy and loss of appetite in afflicted horses. Transmission happens through direct contact with infected horses or by touching contaminated equipment and surfaces. Horses that recover can become asymptomatic carriers, shedding the bacteria and fueling new outbreaks. Indeed, the Michigan gelding marks the second confirmed case in the facility, despite a quarantine in effect since November 2025.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Navigating Through Strangles

Diagnosing Strangles involves PCR testing of nasal swabs or abscess fluid, which detects bacterial DNA with high efficacy. A culture test may also be used for confirmation but requires a longer time to deliver results. When it comes to treatment, supportive care is paramount. This includes isolation, administering anti-inflammatories for fever and pain, and using moist compresses to encourage abscess drainage. Horses are typically given soft feeds to mitigate swallowing difficulties, and hydration is prioritized. The use of antibiotics, such as penicillin, is a double-edged sword; while they may inhibit abscess formation, they might also compromise the development of natural immunity.

Prevention Strategies: The Role of Biosecurity

Vaccination alone does not offer a foolproof defense against Strangles. The available vaccines—either intramuscular or intranasal—might reduce the severity of symptoms but come with potential side effects such as abscess formation or hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, the heart of prevention lies in robust biosecurity measures. Some recommended biosecurity practices include: - **Quarantining new arrivals for 2-3 weeks** and conducting PCR screenings. - Daily disinfection of stalls, waterers, and communal equipment. - Regular endoscopic screenings to detect carrier animals, especially during recurrent outbreaks. - Monitoring for fever and restricting horse movement to isolate potential new cases.

The Equine Disease Communication Center: A Valued Ally

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) plays a pivotal role in equine disease management. By partnering with equine-focused platforms like The Horse, the EDCC provides crucial and timely information about disease outbreaks, thanks to *industry donations* and collaborations. Their open-access model is indispensable for horse owners and veterinarians seeking to preemptively curb the spread of diseases like Strangles.

Global Overview and Future Directions

Strangles remains a top reportable equine disease, with outbreaks often fueled by lapses in biosecurity protocols. The recent Michigan case underscores the disease's steadfastness, as carriers often evade detection, leading to persistent outbreaks even under quarantine conditions. Globally, strangles impacts horse industries substantially, posing both health risks to horses and economic burdens to owners. While technological advancements in PCR and other diagnostic arenas offer great promise, **vigilance among horse handlers is the linchpin** in controlling this infectious disease. Early veterinary consultations upon fever detection are crucial to curtailing the spread and maintaining healthier equine communities. In conclusion, while Strangles is a persistent menace to horses worldwide, understanding its transmission, investing in prevention via biosecurity, and leveraging resources like the EDCC are critical steps towards mitigating its impact. Horse owners and veterinarians alike must stay vigilant to ensure the health and safety of their equine companions. Source References: - [The Horse](https://thehorse.com) - https://www.sehtx.com/understanding-strangles-in-horses/

Understanding Strangles In Horses Symptom Transmission And Prevention Strategies