An Important Guide on Strangles in Horses
Strangles in horses is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.
It primarily affects horses, causing respiratory and lymph node issues.
The bacteria are easily transmitted through direct contact with infected horses or contaminated equipment, feed, or water sources.
Strangles can quickly spread within a herd or equine community, making vaccination against it an important preventive measure.
The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian if your horse is showing signs of distress.
Symptoms of Strangles in Horses
The effects of strangles can vary but typically involve respiratory symptoms and abscess formation. After exposure, horses typically develop a fever, nasal discharge, and a dry cough.
Swollen lymph nodes, particularly under the jaw and around the throatlatch area, are characteristic of strangles. These lymph nodes may become enlarged and eventually abscess, leading to the formation of pus-filled masses.
In severe cases, the abscesses can rupture, causing additional complications and potentially spreading the infection to other horses.
Strangles can have significant health and economic consequences.
Infected horses require isolation and veterinary care, and outbreaks can result in quarantine measures, restricted movement, and disrupted training or competition schedules.
Additionally, the disease can lead to complications such as pneumonia or guttural pouch infections, which may require additional treatments and extended recovery periods.
The Importance of Horse Strangles Vaccination
Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing strangles in horses.
The horse strangles vaccine stimulates the horse’s immune system to produce protective antibodies against the bacteria, reducing the severity and spread of the infection. Vaccination can help minimize the risk of horses contracting strangles and decrease the likelihood of outbreaks within a herd or equine community.
It’s important to note that vaccination does not provide 100% protection against strangles. However, it can help reduce the severity of the disease, shorten the duration of clinical signs, and decrease the risk of complications.
Vaccination is typically recommended for horses that are at higher risk of exposure, such as those in boarding facilities, competition horses, or horses frequently in contact with unfamiliar horses.
Working closely with your veterinarian is essential to develop a strangles vaccination plan tailored to your horse’s individual needs and risk factors.
Vaccination protocols may vary depending on factors such as geographical location, herd size, and management practices.
By vaccinating your horse against strangles, you contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of your equine community, helping to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Horse Strangles Vaccination Schedule
The vaccination for horse strangles is usually initiated when horses are around 4 to 6 months old.
The primary vaccination involves two doses given three to four weeks apart. After the initial series, a third dose is given approximately three to four weeks later. This initial vaccination series is typically completed by the time the horse is 6 to 8 months old.
Depending on the specific vaccine used, booster shots are administered every six months to one year to maintain protection against strangles.
Preventing Strangles in Horses
Preventing, or managing, strangles requires implementing strict biosecurity measures. By implementing some best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of strangles in your horse population.
Quarantine New Horses
Whenever introducing a new horse to your facility, quarantine them for a minimum of two weeks. This allows time to observe any signs of illness and prevent potential transmission to other horses.
Minimise Contact
Limit direct contact between horses, especially those from different groups or with unknown health histories. Avoid sharing equipment, feed buckets, and water troughs between horses.
Good Hygiene Practices around your horse
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizers before and after handling different horses. Avoid touching an infected horse and then interacting with healthy horses without proper sanitization.
Isolate Sick Horses
If a horse shows signs of strangles or any other contagious illness, isolate them from healthy horses immediately. Provide separate water and feed buckets, as well as dedicated equipment, for the sick horse to prevent cross-contamination.
Regular Cleaning and Disinfection of your horse environment
Maintain a clean environment by regularly cleaning and disinfecting shared areas such as stalls, water troughs, and grooming equipment. Use appropriate disinfectants effective against the strangles bacteria.
Vaccinate your horse
Consult with your veterinarian about the benefits of vaccinating your horses against strangles. Vaccination may help reduce the severity and spread of the disease, but it does not provide complete immunity.
Proper Monitoring
Keep a close eye on your horses for any signs of illness, including nasal discharge, coughing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection and immediate isolation of potentially infected horses are essential to prevent the spread of strangles.
Travel Precautions for horses
When travelling with horses, avoid contact with horses of unknown health status. Practice proper biosecurity measures at shows, events, and training facilities to minimise the risk of strangles transmission.
Key Takeaways About Strangles in Horses
Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can affect horses of all ages and breeds. Understanding key takeaways about strangles can help you protect your horses and manage the risk of infection.
Remember, vaccination is a valuable tool in preventing strangles, and working closely with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination plan is crucial. Implementing good biosecurity practices, such as quarantine procedures for new horses, practicing proper hygiene, and maintaining a clean environment, can also help minimize the spread of the disease.
Early detection, isolation of infected horses and prompt veterinary care are essential for managing a horse strangles outbreak.
