On March 26, a 15-year-old Paint mare in Genesee County, Michigan, was diagnosed with strangles. This is the third case of strangles at the premises, with the first case confirmed in November and the second in January. The affected horse is currently in quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a program by the Equine Network that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to provide verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations, offering open access to infectious disease information.
About Strangles
Strangles is an infection in horses caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. It spreads through direct contact with infected equids or contaminated surfaces. Even horses without symptoms can carry and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses can remain contagious for up to six weeks, potentially causing long-term outbreaks.
Signs of strangles in infected horses may include fever, swollen or abscessed lymph nodes, nasal discharge, coughing, wheezing, muscle swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Veterinarians diagnose the disease 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. Overuse of antibiotics can hinder the development of immunity. Most horses recover fully within three to four weeks.
While a vaccine is available, its effectiveness can vary. Implementing biosecurity measures such as quarantining new horses and maintaining high hygiene and disinfection standards can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or contain them when they occur. Learn more about protecting your horse from strangles here.