Strangles

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease of horses that spreads primarily through direct horse-to-horse contact and contaminated equipment, people and transport vehicles. Early recognition and prompt isolation are the most effective ways to limit spread.

Good biosecurity protects everyone

Most outbreaks can be contained through early detection, isolation and good biosecurity. One of the greatest challenges with Strangles is that some horses can continue to carry the bacteria after appearing clinically recovered, making appropriate veterinary testing important before returning horses to normal management.

NZTR encourages all participants to work closely with their veterinarian if they have any concerns about a horse's health and continue following good biosecurity practices:

• 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.