The Michigan Department of Agriculture reported a case of strangles in a 5-year-old Quarter Horse stallion in Oceana County on May 6, 2026. The horse began showing symptoms of swollen, draining lymph nodes on April 23 and is currently in recovery. Three other horses have been exposed to the infection, and the property is currently under voluntary quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a program by Equine Network that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and distribute 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 equine infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and is transmitted through direct contact with infected horses or contaminated surfaces. Even asymptomatic horses can carry and spread the bacteria, with recovered horses remaining 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 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 prescribed 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 and disinfection can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or contain them when they occur. Learn more about protecting your horse from strangles here.