Strangles

Information and Biosecurity Advice

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects horses. It can spread quickly through direct horse-to-horse contact, as well as through contaminated gear, clothing, hands, vehicles, yards, stables and shared equipment.

Early recognition, prompt isolation and good biosecurity are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of spread.

Good biosecurity protects everyone

All participants are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow good biosecurity practices at home, at training venues, and when attending races, trials or workouts.

This includes:

• Monitoring horses closely for signs of illness
• Isolating any horse showing signs such as fever, nasal discharge, coughing or swollen lymph nodes
• Contacting your veterinarian promptly if you have concerns
• Avoiding the sharing of tack, grooming gear, feed bins and water sources
• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment, stables, yards, floats and trucks regularly
• Taking extra care after travel or events where horses from different properties have mixed
• Keeping accurate health and temperature records when required

If you suspect a horse may have Strangles, contact your veterinarian immediately and avoid moving the horse until veterinary advice has been received.

Current HRNZ Strangles Directive

HRNZ has issued a Strangles Disease Management Directive, effective from 8 July 2026, in response to the current disease situation in the Waikato region.

The Directive applies to standardbred breeding, training, trialling and racing activities and is intended to reduce the risk of Strangles spreading within the harness racing industry while allowing racing and trialling to continue where possible.

Under the Directive, trainers with horses engaged to attend meetings are required to complete HRNZ Strangles Health Declarations. These must accompany horses to the races and be available if requested by a Steward or Club employee.

Additional requirements apply to horses stabled within the Strangles Red Zone, including Serum Amyloid A testing where required.

HRNZ may update the Directive as circumstances change.

What to do if you have concerns

If Strangles is confirmed, or a veterinarian diagnoses symptoms consistent with Strangles, the RIB Veterinary Services Manager must be notified immediately by email at vet@rib.org.nz.

For general HRNZ Strangles enquiries, please contact welfare@hrnz.co.nz.

More information

Further information and resources:

• HRNZ Strangles Disease Management Directive
• HRNZ Strangles Health Declaration
• NZ Equine Health Association Strangles information
• New Zealand Veterinary Association Strangles Guidance
• New Zealand Veterinary Association Strangles Webinar
• New Zealand Equine Research Foundation - Learn about Strangles