One horse at a private facility in Grant County, Washington, has been diagnosed with strangles. The horse is currently receiving veterinary care.
Prior to this diagnosis, another horse was acquired from a livestock market and introduced to the farm. As a result, four more horses have been exposed to the disease.
EDCC Health Watch is a promotional initiative by Equine Network that utilizes information sourced from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to generate and distribute authenticated equine disease updates. The EDCC is a standalone nonprofit organization that relies on industry contributions to offer accessible infectious disease data.
Understanding Strangles
Strangles is an equine infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and is transmitted through direct contact with other equines or contaminated surfaces. Horses that are asymptomatic can carry and spread the bacteria, while recovered horses can remain contagious for up to six weeks, potentially leading to long-term outbreaks.
Common clinical signs of strangles in horses 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, wash samples, or abscess specimens. Treatment is often based on clinical symptoms, with antibiotics prescribed for severe cases. Excessive antibiotic use can hinder the horse’s ability to develop immunity. Most horses recover fully within three to four weeks.
Although a vaccine is available, its effectiveness can vary. Implementing biosecurity measures such as quarantining new horses and maintaining strict hygiene practices, including regular surface disinfection, can help reduce the risk of outbreaks or contain them if they occur.