Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects horses, and it’s more common than many horse owners realise. With an average of 600 cases reported annually in the United Kingdom, understanding what strangles is and how it impacts both horses and their owners is crucial for the equestrian community. This post explores what strangles is in horses, its symptoms, why it spreads, prevention strategies, and how to support affected owners and animals.
What is Strangles in Horses?
Strangles is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. This pathogen primarily infects the upper respiratory tract of horses, leading to a range of distressing symptoms. The disease is characterised by fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes that can develop into painful abscesses. In severe cases, strangles can lead to complications such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, which can pose a serious risk to a horse’s life.
The onset of symptoms typically occurs within 3 to 14 days after exposure to an infected horse. Early recognition is important because a timely response can help limit spread and reduce the impact on a yard or event.
Recognising the Symptoms
Affected horses may exhibit a spectrum of signs, and recognizing these early can make a big difference in containment and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- High fever: temperatures often exceeding 39.5°C (103°F).
- Thick nasal discharge: initially clear, turning purulent as the disease progresses.
- Laboured breathing: swollen lymph nodes can obstruct airways, making breathing difficult.
- Depression: lethargy and discomfort are frequently observed.
- Painful abscesses: abscesses often form around the jaw and throat area, complicating eating and drinking.
Owners should monitor for these signs, especially during peak seasons or after exposure to a known outbreak. If strangles is suspected, isolating the horse and seeking veterinary assessment promptly is essential.
Why Strangles Spreads
Strangles spreads through close contact and shared objects, including feed buckets, grooming equipment, and water troughs. The bacteria can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making stable and yard hygiene crucial in preventing transmission. Shelters with high horse turnover, such as livery yards and equestrian events, are particularly at risk if biosecurity measures are lax.
Quarantine plays a central role in controlling outbreaks. Infected horses must be isolated from healthy ones for several weeks until they are no longer contagious. This can place emotional and financial strain on owners and facilities alike.
The Emotional and Financial Toll
An outbreak of strangles can be devastating for horse owners emotionally and financially. The distress of seeing a beloved animal suffer cannot be overstated. Treatment often requires veterinary care, medications, and sometimes hospitalisation, which can be costly.
Beyond direct treatment costs, there are additional financial implications to consider:
- Quarantine procedures: isolating infected horses and implementing strict biosecurity protocols.
- Temporary closure of facilities: livery yards may need to close temporarily to prevent further spread.
- Cancellation of events: equestrian events may be cancelled or postponed if an outbreak occurs nearby.
These factors contribute to financial strain and also emotional stress for owners who feel responsible for their animals’ health. Open communication and supportive networks can help mitigate some of this stress.
Stigma and Perceptions
Despite its prevalence, strangles carries a stigma that discourages open discussion about outbreaks. Many horse owners fear judgement from peers if their horse contracts strangles or if there’s an outbreak nearby. An online survey among yard managers found that fear was a major barrier to discussing strangles openly. This reluctance can lead to information gaps and slower responses to outbreaks.
Changing perceptions is essential. Strangles can affect any horse, regardless of how well it is cared for. When news breaks about an outbreak, the first reaction should be one of support rather than blame. Fostering open dialogue helps owners feel less isolated and encourages timely reporting, which aids in controlling spread and improving prevention education.
Prevention and Management Strategies
While strangles can affect any horse at any time, several strategies can reduce risk and improve outcomes:
- Vaccination: Although not foolproof, vaccinating against strangles can help reduce severity if infection occurs. Discuss with a veterinarian to determine the best approach for your yard or horse.
- Hygiene practices: Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables, feed equipment, and water troughs help minimise bacterial spread.
- Isolation protocols: New arrivals should be quarantined for at least two weeks before being introduced into existing herds.
- Monitoring health: Regular checks for signs of illness allow for early detection and intervention.
It’s also important to have an outbreak response plan. This includes clear communication channels within the yard, designated isolation areas, and procedures for reporting to a veterinarian and to relevant authorities or event organisers.
Supporting Affected Owners and Horses
When an outbreak occurs, support networks can make a meaningful difference. Practical steps include shared resources for early veterinary care, guidance on biosecurity, and emotional support for owners dealing with the stress of an outbreak. Community education about prevention measures can help reduce fear and stigma, encouraging more proactive management and quicker containment.
Strangles is more than a medical condition; it’s a challenge that many within the equestrian community face each year in the UK. By understanding what strangles is in horses, its symptoms, implications on health and finances, and addressing stigma through open dialogue and support networks, we can create a safer environment for our beloved animals. Emphasise vaccination where appropriate, maintain rigorous hygiene, and implement thoughtful isolation protocols to protect your horses and your yard.
If you’re seeking more information, connect with your equine veterinarian and local equestrian associations. Sharing experiences responsibly can help everyone stay informed and prepared, reducing the impact of strangles on both horses and their owners.
Heavenly Pastures Horse Cremations
Heavenly Pastures Horse Cremations are here to help you with a collection and cremation services for horses – we cover the counties of Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire within a two to three hour drive, as well as offering a nationwide horse collection and cremation service. We give you the opportunity to grieve as our equine end of life service takes care of practical arrangements for you. For more help or advice contact us on one of the following:-
Leyland Horse Cremations 01704 776 976
Warrington Horse Cremations 01704 776 976
Southport Horse Cremations 01704 776 976
Wigan Horse Cremations 01704 776 976
St Helens Horse Cremations 01704 776 976
Ormskirk Horse Cremations 01704 776 976