The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has reported that one horse at a boarding facility in Brevard County has tested positive for strangles, with five more horses suspected to be positive. Additionally, 69 horses have been exposed to the infection, leading to an official quarantine being put in place.
This case marks the 25th confirmed instance of strangles in Florida in 2026.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and share verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization funded by industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
About Strangles
Strangles is an infection in horses caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi that spreads through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Even horses without symptoms can carry and transmit the bacteria, and recovered horses can remain contagious for up to six weeks, potentially causing long-term outbreaks.
Symptoms of strangles in infected horses can 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 nasal swabs, washes, or abscess samples. Treatment is often based on clinical signs, with antibiotics used 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 levels of hygiene and surface disinfection can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or contain them when they occur.