06/13/2026
Another disease to be aware of. Practice good isolation and hygiene as you travel to events this summer ☀️
To date in 2026, we have detected 9 cases of Equine Strangles.
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease of the equine upper respiratory tract The bacteria cross mucous membranes in the nose and mouth to infect lymph nodes where they cause abscesses that can eventually rupture. The infected lymph nodes become swollen, which can compress the upper respiratory tract (hence, the name strangles). Younger horses often exhibit more clinical signs than older horses. The prognosis for uncomplicated horses is generally good. The best strategy to prevent strangles is to minimize exposure risks
Coming soon: a qPCR test for strangles (Streptococcus equi subsp. equi). The bacteriology section is currently validating this assay and look forward to offering it soon.
