Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects horses, and it’s more common than many horse owners might 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.
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 symptoms typically manifest within 3 to 14 days after exposure to an infected horse. Affected horses may exhibit:
- High Fever: Often reaching temperatures above 39.5°C (103°F).
- Thick Nasal Discharge: Initially clear but may become purulent as the disease progresses.
- Laboured Breathing: Due to swollen lymph nodes obstructing airways.
- Depression: Affected horses often show signs of lethargy and discomfort.
- Painful Abscesses: These can form around the jaw and throat area, making eating and drinking difficult.
The Emotional and Financial Toll on Owners
An outbreak of strangles can be devastating for horse owners emotionally and financially. The distress caused by seeing a beloved animal suffer cannot be overstated. Moreover, treating strangles often involves veterinary care that can be costly.
In addition to treatment expenses, there are other financial implications associated with managing an outbreak:
- Quarantine Procedures: Infected horses must be isolated from healthy ones for several weeks until they are no longer contagious.
- 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 there’s an outbreak nearby.
These factors contribute not only to financial strain but also emotional stress for owners who feel responsible for their animals’ health.
The Stigma Surrounding Strangles
Despite being a common disease among equines, strangles carries a stigma that discourages open discussion about outbreaks. Many horse owners fear judgement from their peers if they disclose that their horse has contracted strangles or if there’s an outbreak in their area.
According to an online survey conducted among yard managers, three-quarters identified fear as one of the main barriers preventing them from discussing strangles openly. This reluctance creates an environment where information about outbreaks remains hidden, allowing the disease to spread unchecked.
Changing Perceptions
It is essential for the equestrian community to shift its perception regarding strangles. Rather than viewing it as a mark of negligence or poor management practices, we should recognise that any horse can contract this highly contagious disease regardless of how well they are cared for.
When news breaks about a strangles outbreak in your area, it’s vital that your first reaction is one of support rather than judgement. By fostering open communication about such incidents:
- We can help affected owners feel less isolated during difficult times.
- We encourage timely reporting which aids in controlling outbreaks effectively.
- We promote better education about prevention measures within our communities.
Prevention Strategies
While strangles can affect any horse at any time, there are several strategies that owners and facilities can implement to reduce the risk:
- Vaccination: Although not foolproof, vaccinating against strangles can help reduce severity if infection occurs.
- Hygiene Practices: Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables and equipment help minimise bacterial spread.
- Isolation Protocols: New arrivals should be quarantined for at least two weeks before being introduced into existing herds.
- Monitoring Health: Regularly checking horses for signs of illness allows for early detection and intervention.
Strangles is more than just a medical condition; it represents a challenge faced by many within the equestrian community each year in the UK. By understanding what strangles is in horses—its symptoms, implications on health and finances—and addressing the stigma surrounding it through open dialogue and support networks, we can create a safer environment for our beloved animals.
Let us work together towards fostering understanding rather than fear so we can protect our horses from this distressing illness while supporting those affected by it along the way.
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
