On April 10, a single horse at a private facility in Dane County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles. The affected horse is currently under quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing initiative by Equine Network that leverages information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to produce and distribute verified equine disease notifications. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization that operates independently and relies on industry contributions to offer unrestricted access to infectious disease updates.
About Strangles
Strangles is an equine infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, transmitted through direct contact with infected horses or contaminated surfaces. Even asymptomatic horses can 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 include:
- Fever
- Swollen and/or abscessed lymph nodes
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing or wheezing
- Muscle swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
Veterinarians typically diagnose strangles in horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with samples like nasal swabs, washes, or abscess samples. Treatment is usually based on clinical symptoms, with antibiotics prescribed for severe cases. Excessive antibiotic use can hinder the development of immunity in infected horses. Most horses recover fully within three to four weeks.
Although a vaccine is available, its effectiveness can vary. Implementing biosecurity measures such as quarantining new arrivals and maintaining strict hygiene protocols, including surface disinfection, can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or manage them effectively when they occur.