Now that winter is here, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (NZTBA) are encouraging all industry participants to remain vigilant for signs of Strangles and to maintain good biosecurity practices.
While there is currently no widespread outbreak of Strangles in New Zealand, we are taking this opportunity to remind owners, trainers, breeders and handlers of the importance of early detection, vaccination, and sensible biosecurity measures, particularly when horses are travelling between properties, race meetings, training centres, and sales complexes.
Maintaining strong biosecurity practices is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of disease transmission and protect the health and welfare of our horses.
Message from the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA)
The NZVA has advised that recent laboratory surveillance has identified an increase in positive Streptococcus equi detections in the North Island. However, the observed prevalence remains comparable to that recorded at the same time last year, and no epidemiological patterns suggestive of a significant outbreak have been identified.
Following discussions with the veterinarians and laboratories involved, the NZVA is satisfied that the recent cases are contained and no epidemiological patterns suggestive of an outbreak of increased significance have been identified.
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. Clinical signs can include:
- Fever
- Dullness or reduced appetite
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Swelling or abscessation of the lymph nodes around the head and throat
The incubation period is typically between 3 and 14 days following exposure. Horses can become infected through direct contact with infected horses or indirectly through contaminated equipment, water sources, transport vehicles, clothing, or handlers.
Although Strangles is not a notifiable disease, the NZVA notes that this serves as a timely reminder of the importance of vaccination and strong biosecurity practices, particularly when horses are travelling or mixing with unfamiliar horses.
Vaccination against Strangles is available through veterinarians and, while it does not provide complete protection, it can help reduce the likelihood and severity of infection. Horse owners should discuss vaccination options with their veterinarian.
The NZVA also reminds industry participants that suspected and confirmed cases should be managed sensitively. Client confidentiality should be respected, as stigma associated with Strangles can sometimes discourage open communication. Clear communication and practical infection control measures remain important to support both disease management and industry confidence.
Biosecurity Best Practice
NZTR and NZTBA encourage all participants to maintain good biosecurity practices, including:
- Avoid sharing tack, grooming equipment, feed bins, or water sources between horses.
- Clean and disinfect equipment such as halters, buckets, grooming tools and lead ropes regularly.
- Thoroughly clean stables and yards, removing contaminated bedding, manure or nasal discharge.
- Clean and disinfect horse floats, trucks and other transport vehicles between uses.
- Monitor horses closely following travel or attendance at events where horses from multiple properties have mixed.
- Isolate any horse showing signs of illness and seek veterinary advice promptly.
- If you suspect a horse may have Strangles, contact your veterinarian immediately and avoid moving the horse until veterinary advice has been obtained.
NZTR, NZTBA and the NZVA will continue to share information and guidance with industry participants as required. By remaining vigilant and maintaining good hygiene and biosecurity practices, we can collectively minimise the impact of disease and protect the health and welfare of New Zealand's horses.
For further information on Strangles, including treatment, control and prevention, please visit the NZEHA website or speak with your veterinarian.