Strangles Detected in North Canterbury

Strangles Detected in North Canterbury: What Horse Owners Need to Know

Horse owners are urged to stay alert following the recent detection of Strangles cases. While these cases are not linked to the racing community, Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease, and vigilance is key to protecting equine health.

We encourage all horse owners to take proactive biosecurity measures, monitor their horses for any signs of illness, and follow best practices to prevent the spread of infection. Early detection and responsible management are crucial in keeping our equine communities safe.

What is Strangles?

Strangles is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract of horses. It spreads rapidly through:

• Direct Contact: Nose-to-nose interaction between horses.
• Indirect Contact: Shared equipment, contaminated water buckets, feed troughs, or tack.
• Environmental Contamination: The bacteria can survive for days to weeks in favorable conditions, increasing the risk of indirect transmission.

While most horses recover with proper care, complications such as abscess formation in other parts of the body ("bastard strangles"), prolonged illness, or, in rare cases, death can occur.

Early detection and management are crucial to minimizing its impact.

Symptoms to Watch For

Be alert for these signs of Strangles:

• Fever: A temperature above 38.5°C.
• Nasal Discharge: Thick, pus-like discharge.
• Swelling or Abscesses: Around the head and neck (lymph nodes).
• Cough: Difficulty eating or a reduced appetite.
• Breathing Issues: Respiratory noise or labored breathing.

How to Protect Your Horse

1. Vaccinate: A Strangles vaccine can help prevent infection or reduce the severity of symptoms.
2. Limit Contact: Avoid nose-to-nose interaction and shared equipment with potentially infected horses.
3. Isolate: Do not move horses to or from affected properties.
4. Travel Wisely: Carefully assess the risks of transporting horses, especially if they are unvaccinated.

If your horse shows any symptoms, isolate them immediately and contact your veterinarian for testing and guidance.

By staying informed and practicing good biosecurity, we can help protect our equine community and limit the spread of Strangles.