Strangles is one of the most contagious and concerning bacterial infections affecting horses. Caused by Streptococcus equi, this disease spreads quickly and can cause severe respiratory distress, abscess formation, and prolonged illness. If you own or care for horses, understanding strangles, how it spreads, and how to prevent it is essential for protecting your herd.
What Is Strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious equine disease that affects the upper respiratory system. Streptococcus equi invades the lymph nodes around the throat and jaw, leading to swelling, abscesses, and breathing difficulties. Strangles can affect horses of any age, though younger horses and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. While rarely fatal, complications can arise, including pneumonia, guttural pouch infections, or even a severe immune response known as “bastard strangles,” where the infection spreads to other organs.
How Contagious Is Strangles?
Strangles is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact between horses or via contaminated surfaces, water, equipment, and even human handlers. The bacteria can survive in the environment for weeks, making biosecurity measures essential in preventing outbreaks. Horses can shed bacteria for weeks after recovery; some become silent carriers, harboring the bacteria in their guttural pouches without showing symptoms. This makes controlling strangles challenging without proper testing and quarantine protocols.
Symptoms of Strangles
Recognizing the early signs of strangles can help with timely treatment and containment. Common symptoms include:
- Fever (often one of the first signs)
- Swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw or throatlatch
- Nasal discharge (thick and yellow)
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing due to swelling
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Abscesses that rupture and drain pus
If you notice these symptoms, isolating the affected horse and contacting an equine vet immediately is critical.
Treatment of Strangles
Strangles typically runs its course within a few weeks, but supportive care from an equine hospital or veterinarian can help manage symptoms and reduce complications. Treatment options include:
- Isolation: Infected horses must be quarantined to prevent the spread.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensuring horses continue eating and drinking is vital.
- Hot Compresses: Applying warm compresses to swollen lymph nodes can encourage abscesses to drain naturally.
- Antibiotics: While controversial, antibiotics may be used in early cases or severe infections, but they can sometimes prolong the disease’s course.
- Veterinary Monitoring: An equine vet should oversee treatment to manage any complications and determine when it is safe to end quarantine.
Horses recovering from strangles should be tested to ensure they are no longer shedding bacteria before reintroducing them to the herd.
How to Prevent Strangles
Because strangles spreads so quickly, prevention is key to protecting your horses. Here are some best practices to reduce the risk:
- Vaccination: While not 100% effective, a strangles vaccine can help reduce the severity of the disease and lower transmission rates.
- Quarantine New Horses: Any new horse entering a barn should be isolated for at least 2-3 weeks and tested before joining the herd.
- Strict Hygiene Practices: Disinfect stalls, equipment, and water troughs regularly. Avoid sharing tack or feed buckets between horses.
- Limit Exposure: Minimize contact with horses from outside barns, especially at shows or events where strangles outbreaks are more common.
- Carrier Testing: Some horses may carry the bacteria without showing symptoms. Testing and treating carriers can help prevent future outbreaks.
Keep Your Horse Safe and Healthy with Signature Equine Hospital
Strangles is a serious equine disease that requires swift action to contain and treat. While most horses recover fully, outbreaks can be disruptive and costly. By recognizing symptoms early, working closely with an equine vet, and implementing strong prevention measures, horse owners can reduce the impact of strangles on their herd.
If you suspect a case of strangles or need guidance on prevention, Signature Equine Hospital is here to help. Our experienced veterinary team provides expert diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care to keep your horses healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or discuss a strangles prevention plan for your barn.