30/11/2025
Due to recent local outbreaks we have been fielding significantly more questions about strangles. Strangles remains one of the most common infectious diseases in horses across the UK, but unfortunately it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
What Is Strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. It spreads quickly between horses and yards—but with the right knowledge and good biosecurity, it can be managed effectively.
Recognising the Clinical Signs
Every horse shows strangles slightly differently, but common symptoms include:
* Fever
* Depression or dullness
* Thick nasal discharge (often yellow or white)
* Painful swelling of the lymph nodes around the throat
* Abscess formation, which may burst externally
* Difficulty swallowing or breathing in severe cases
* Coughing
* Poor appetite
Some horses may develop only mild symptoms, while others can become very unwell. A small number may also develop complications such as bastard strangles or purpura haemorrhagica, both of which require urgent veterinary care.
❌ Myth 1: “Strangles is a notifiable disease—DEFRA needs to be informed.”
✅ Fact: Strangles is not a notifiable disease in the UK.�There is no legal requirement to report it to DEFRA or local authorities.�However, responsible management—including early veterinary involvement, isolation, and screening—is essential to controlling spread.
❌ Myth 2: “If a yard has strangles, the vet must tell nearby clients.”
✅ Fact: Under GDPR and client confidentiality laws, vets cannot disclose information about other horses, yards, or clients.�This includes:
* Whether another yard has strangles
* The identity of horses or owners involved
* Any medical details about other clients’ animals
We can offer general advice about local disease risks, but we are legally and ethically bound to keep client information confidential. This protects everyone.
❌ Myth 3: “There’s no point vaccinating—horses still get strangles.”
✅ Fact: Vaccination is a valuable tool.�While no vaccine provides 100% prevention, it is very effective and it can:
* Reduce the severity of symptoms
* Reduce the likelihood of transmission
* Help limit the scale and impact of outbreaks
* Support yard-wide protection when combined with screening and biosecurity
Vaccination is especially useful on busy yards, competition stables, riding schools, and liveries with frequent horse movement.
The new vaccination is given in the muscle just like flu and tetanus.
❌ Myth 4: “Once the abscess bursts, the horse is no longer infectious.”
✅ Fact: Horses may continue shedding bacteria even after outward signs improve.�Some horses become carriers, hiding the bacteria in their guttural pouches. These horses look healthy but can trigger new outbreaks unless identified and treated.
❌ Myth 5: “Strangles only affects poorly run yards.”
✅ Fact: Any yard can have an outbreak.�Strangles spreads through:
* Shared water troughs
* Shared equipment or tack
* Handlers’ clothing and hands
* Fence lines
* Nose-to-nose contact
* Transport and shows
Good biosecurity prevents outbreaks—not blame.
How to Protect Your Yard
✔ Vaccinate where appropriate�✔ Isolate new arrivals for 3 weeks�✔ Use separate equipment for new or unwell horses�✔ Call your vet promptly if symptoms appear�✔ Test for carriers after an outbreak�✔ Keep clear communication within the yard team and anyone attending the yard such as but not limited to vets, physios, farriers and instructors.
Whether you want to discuss vaccination, set up a screening programme, establish a yard-specific biosecurity plan or just more information please feel free to contact us on 012973004007 or [email protected]
