According to the State Department of Agriculture, a single horse in Crook County, Oregon, has been confirmed positive for strangles, while two other horses are currently suspected to be positive. Moreover, 30 horses have been exposed to the disease. The affected horses are currently under quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program of Equine Network that leverages information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to produce and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization that relies on industry donations to offer accessible infectious disease information.
About Strangles
Strangles in horses is an infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and is transmitted through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Even horses not displaying symptoms can carry and spread the bacteria, and horses that have recovered can remain contagious for up to six weeks, potentially leading to long-term outbreaks.
Infected horses may display various clinical signs:
- Fever
- Swollen and/or abscessed lymph nodes
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing or wheezing
- Muscle swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
Veterinarians typically diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with a nasal swab, wash, or abscess sample, and treatment is usually based on clinical signs, with antibiotics prescribed for severe cases. Excessive antibiotic use can hinder the development of immunity in an infected horse. 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 at a facility and maintaining strict hygiene standards while disinfecting surfaces can help reduce the risk of an outbreak or contain one if it occurs.