Reports of three horses in Wisconsin testing positive for strangles have raised concerns among horse owners in the state. The affected horses reside in Waupaca, Brown, and Sauk counties.
In Waupaca County, a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare at a boarding facility tested positive for strangles on March 31. The mare had developed post-vaccinal fevers and nasal discharge but is now on the path to recovery. A total of 20 horses at the facility have been exposed to the infection.
Meanwhile, in Brown County, a 14-year-old Kentucky Mountain Horse mare tested positive for strangles on April 9. The mare had exhibited a cough three days prior to testing positive. Additionally, three other horses at the private facility are suspected to be infected.
In Sauk County, a 5-year-old Morgan mare at a boarding facility tested positive for strangles on April 9. The mare had shown symptoms such as nasal discharge, cough, lymphadenopathy, fever, and decreased appetite two days prior to testing positive. In addition to strangles, she also tested positive for equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4) and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV). Four more horses have been exposed to the infected mare.
EDCC Health Watch, a program by the Equine Network, is dedicated to providing verified equine disease reports sourced from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations, offering open access to infectious disease information.
Understanding Strangles in Horses
Strangles is an infectious disease in horses caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The infection spreads through direct contact with infected equids or contaminated surfaces. Even horses without clinical signs can harbor and transmit the bacteria, with recovered horses remaining contagious for up to six weeks, potentially leading to long-term outbreaks.
Common clinical signs of strangles in 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 reserved for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can hinder the development of immunity in infected horses. 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 standards of hygiene can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or contain them when they occur. Learn more about protecting your horse from strangles here.