One horse at a boarding facility in Douglas County, Nebraska, has tested positive for strangles. One additional horse is suspected to be positive, and 50 horses have been exposed. The sick horse is currently quarantined.
EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations to provide open access to infectious disease information.
About Strangles
Strangles in horses is an infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and spreads through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that are asymptomatic can carry and spread the bacteria, and even recovered horses remain contagious for up to six weeks, potentially leading to long-term outbreaks.
Signs of strangles in infected horses may 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 usually based on clinical signs, with antibiotics prescribed for severe cases. However, overuse of antibiotics can hinder the development of immunity in infected horses. Most horses recover fully within three to four weeks.
While a vaccine for strangles 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 an outbreak or contain one if it occurs. For more information on protecting your horse from strangles, you can visit here and learn what to do in the event of a strangles outbreak here.