Six horses in British Columbia have tested positive for strangles, with one horse in Joe Rich and five horses in West Kelowna (two at one facility and three at another nearby). The affected horses are currently quarantined.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that utilizes data from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization funded by industry donations to provide open access to infectious disease information.
About Strangles
Strangles in horses is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and is transmitted through direct contact with infected equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses without symptoms can still carry and spread the bacteria, while recovered horses can remain contagious for up to six weeks, potentially leading to long-term outbreaks.
Common clinical signs of strangles in infected horses include:
- Fever
- Swollen and/or abscessed lymph nodes
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing or wheezing
- Muscle swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
Veterinarians diagnose strangles in horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with samples from nasal swabs, washes, or abscesses. Treatment is typically based on clinical signs, with antibiotics used for severe cases. Excessive antibiotic use can hinder the horse’s ability to develop immunity. Most horses recover fully within three to four weeks.
Although a vaccine is available, its effectiveness varies. Implementing biosecurity measures such as quarantining new horses and maintaining high hygiene standards can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or contain them if they occur. For more information on how to protect your horse from strangles, visit here and learn what to do in case of an outbreak here.