A case of strangles has been identified in one horse in Lake County, Oregon, with another horse suspected to be positive. The attending veterinarian reassures that the disease should be contained within the affected farm.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing 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 supported by industry donations to provide open access to infectious disease information.
About Strangles
Strangles in horses is caused by an infection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and 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 leading to long-term outbreaks.
Common clinical signs of strangles in infected 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, washes, or abscess samples. Treatment is 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.
Although a vaccine is available, its effectiveness can vary. Implementing biosecurity measures such as quarantining new horses and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfection in facilities can help reduce the risk of outbreaks and contain them if they occur.