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.

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 [email protected].

For general HRNZ Strangles enquiries, please contact [email protected].

More information

Further information and resources:

Prevent Disease. Protect Racing.

HRNZ Strangles Disease Management Directive

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

Strangles impacts people too – OnTrack is here to support

A strangles outbreak can place significant pressure on a stable or stud. Too often, people deal with this pressure, and the fear of stigma or blame, in silence.

OnTrack provides free, confidential and independent support to anyone working in racing. We can listen, help you work through the immediate pressures, support difficult conversations, connect you with practical services, including financial or emotional support, and stay alongside you if further support is needed.

Anything you talk to us about will not be passed on to employers, owners, racing bodies or regulators.

You do not need to wait until things reach crisis point. Call OnTrack on 0800 667 224.