How infectious is it?
Spreading of Strangles infection requires CLOSE CONTACT between an infected horse and a susceptible one. It can also be transmitted via discharges from the nose or glands of an infected horse contaminating water troughs, feed bowls, and the hands and arms of personnel handling infected horses. Because there is no airborne spread it is usually possible to contain the infection in a yard by isolating infected horses. There is normally NO risk to horses on surrounding premises or to horses being ridden past a yard or field containing infected horses, PROVIDED no nose-to-nose contact is allowed
What are the symptoms?
Usually the horse first develops a high temperature (greater than 39 degrees C, normal temperature 38 or below) and is depressed and perhaps off its food. After about 48-72 hours a nasal discharge develops and sometimes the horse starts to cough, especially when eating (the sore throat interferes with swallowing). In some cases the glands under the jaw enlarge and eventually burst, discharging pus.
However milder forms of the disease are increasingly being recognised. These horses are not quite as ill and may not develop any lymph gland enlargement.
What should I do if I suspect my horse has strangles ?
Isolate the horse from close contact with other horses and notify us immediately. If detected early, treatment may prevent the full-blown disease from developing. We will also advise you on the best quarantine arrangement for your yard to prevent the disease from spreading.
How is the disease confirmed?
Swabs are taken from the back of the throat or from discharging lymph glands and sent to the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, which is the specialist laboratory for this disease.
For how long is a recovered case infectious?
95% of horses will clear themselves completely of infection within a month. However the remaining 5% may remain carriers for months or even years, and these carriers are often the source of new outbreaks. It is ESSENTIAL therefore that every recovered case is swabbed to ensure freedom from infection before it is released from isolation.
How many swabs are needed?
When checking for carriers (which are shedding only small numbers of organisms) there is only a 75% chance of detecting them if a single swab is taken. The detection rate increases to 95% if THREE SWABS ARE TAKEN OVER A TWO-WEEK PERIOD. We therefore strongly advise that three swabs be always taken to ensure freedom from infection once a horse has recovered.
Should I vaccinate?
The strangles vaccine takes eight weeks to stimulate full immunity and therefore
it is usually too late to start a vaccination programme once an outbreak
has occurred in a yard. Vaccination does have a role in controlling this
disease but is best reserved where there is a high risk that horses may be
exposed to infection, for example at yards with a high throughput of horses
(for example large livery yards with a history of the disease).
DISCLAIMER
This factsheet is intended for use by registered clients of EqWest only. The advice offered is general advice only. EqWest clients who wish to discuss the individual circumstances of their horse should contact the Clinic.
To speak to a vet please phone between 8.30 - 9.30 am on weekday mornings.
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