Two horses in Oregon have been diagnosed with strangles, as reported by the State Department of Agriculture. One horse in Clackamas County, where two additional horses have been exposed, and one horse in Lane County have tested positive for the disease. The infected horses have been placed under quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to generate and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization that relies on industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
Understanding Strangles
Strangles is an equine infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi that spreads through direct contact with infected horses or contaminated surfaces. Even asymptomatic horses can carry and transmit the bacteria, with recovered horses remaining contagious for up to six weeks, posing a long-term outbreak risk.
Common clinical signs of strangles include:
- Fever
- Swollen or abscessed lymph nodes
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing or wheezing
- Muscle swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
Veterinarians typically diagnose strangles using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with nasal swabs, washes, or abscess samples. Treatment is based on clinical signs, with antibiotics prescribed for severe cases. However, overuse of antibiotics can hinder the horse’s immune response. Most horses recover fully within three to four weeks.
While a vaccine is available, its effectiveness varies. Implementing biosecurity measures such as quarantining new horses and maintaining high hygiene standards can help mitigate the risk of outbreaks or contain them if they occur. Here is more information on protecting your horse from strangles.