17/08/2025
Strangles.
Due to recent outbreaks of the infection in neighbouring counties, I feel it would be beneficial to open up the conversation about strangles, and what it is we need to know.
To start, strangles should not be a dirty word, one to be ashamed of or one to keep hidden away.
Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus equi and was first officially recorded back in 1251, yet has historical recordings dating back as far as the Romans.
From the point of contact, equines can take up to 21 days to present with symptoms associated with strangles of which can include fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, swollen or abscessed lymph nodes (especially around the head and jaw), loss of appetite or the development of a cough.
Symptoms can vary between each equine, from mild to severe, with the infection being diagnosed through a swab test, blood test or a guttural pouch endoscopy; equines are infectious before symptoms present.
After an equine has been infected with strangles, they can become carriers, which means they can present as healthy but carry the bacteria within their respiratory system and ‘shed’ intermittently, which is why new outbreaks can be common, and are usually subject to a guttural pouch flush post-infection.
There is no treatment as such for strangles, just management of symptoms, however the vaccine for strangles can help alleviate symptoms.
As one of the most infectious diseases, the bacteria is not airborne but can be easily transmitted through direct horse-to-horse contact, but also indirectly; this can be through human clothing and footwear, contaminated equipment and the bacteria can live in the environment; up to several weeks in water sources and a few weeks in cool, damp soil conditions, though only days in hot temperatures.
For as long as horses have been in domestication we have had all manner of infectious diseases, including strangles.
Strangles should not be seen as a dirty word or one to be ashamed of, and the continued stigma that surrounds strangles only continues to put equines at risk, businesses under pressure and emotional strain on human caregivers.
What we need to work effectively with strangles is simple; communication and common sense.
What can owners do?
✅ Sensible biosecurity methods, such as cleansing equipment, clothing and boots with a disinfectant that kills the strangles bacteria.
✅ Avoid cross-contamination between yards, venues and events, with horses you don’t know and especially so in areas where their may be a suspected outbreak; strangles or not.
✅ Communication within the community is key. Keep in contact with other yards and professionals if there has been new horses arrive on the yard, if there are any that are presenting as unwell, regardless of diagnosis.
What can professionals do?
✅ If you manage or own a livery stables, yard or riding centre, quarantine and isolation protocols of new arrivals will help prevent any viral or bacterial infections they may be carrying from being passed.
✅ Implement simple, sensible biosecurity methods, such as cleansing equipment, boots and clothing with a disinfectant that kills the strangles bacteria between clients.
✅ Communicate with clients and venues to enquire about movement, biosecurity protocols and avoid visiting new yards and clients in high-risk locations, even if just for a few weeks. Communicate also if you have been made aware you have been in the vicinity of an infectious case.
To reassure my clients, I have my own biosecurity protocols in place before visiting each of you.
If we implement small simple steps, open up the conversation within the community, we can each do our bit to make a difference.
