Strangles
Strangles is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi. Whilst it is a common disease it is non the less very nasty and although not usually fatal can lead to other parts of the body (bastard strangles) or purpura haemorrhagica which may be fatal.
Young horses and ponies are usually the worst affected particularly those in poor condition. The clinical signs may take between 3 and 14 days to be seen after a pony has been in contact with an infected pony or carrier.
Usually a snotty nose and loss of appetite will be the first indication closely followed by a cough.
It is important to call your veterinary surgeon as soon as any symptoms appear so that he may take a swab and confirm your worst fears. The pony must meanwhile be isolated from any other ponies or horses and must not share any equipment such as buckets etc. The handler must also make sure not to pass on the infection and should scrub their hands with disinfectant and change their clothes before handling other ponies and horses.
A week after these first signs abscesses may appear under the jaw or neck and the pony who by this stage is feeling poorly may not want to eat should be offered soft palatable foods. These abscesses need monitoring closely and may need to be drained and lanced by a Veterinary Surgeon. The wounds need to be cleaned and flushed with a mild antiseptic such as providine iodine twice daily.
This disease in a busy yard could close down activities for months as most cases take between three to four weeks to recover and may be contagious much longer.. In order to give the all clear it is advisable for the Veterinary Surgeon to take three nasal swabs for screening over a period of two weeks. One in 10 ponies may remain a carrier and by testing them they can be treated to prevent further outbreaks of strangles.
It is important that no horse or pony movements take place to or from the farm or yard including going to shows, studs and sales whilst strangles is present.
Stress can trigger carriers to shed the bacteria again and enormous Veterinary costs will be incurred as well as very ill and unhappy ponies and horses and it is unfair to other owners.
by Lady Vestey of Kentchurch Stud