Horse Strangles Biosecurity and Management

Strangles caused by Streptococcus equi is a highly contagious and painful disease in horses. Biosecurity protocols and vaccination reduce spread and protect individual horse welfare.

Key Facts

Strangles causes swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck that abscess and rupture causing severe pain
The disease spreads readily through direct contact, shared equipment and contaminated water sources
Persistent carriers that harbor bacteria in guttural pouches maintain outbreaks and spread disease silently
Vaccination provides partial protection reducing disease severity though not eliminating risk entirely
Endoscopy and guttural pouch lavage are required to identify and treat persistent carriers

Welfare Considerations

Strangles causes severe pain as lymph nodes enlarge over days before rupturing. Horses may be unable to eat, drink or breathe comfortably during active infection. Complications including bastard strangles with internal abscess formation and purpura haemorrhagica are life-threatening. Quarantine during outbreaks and carrier testing before horse movement are essential welfare-protective measures.

What You Can Do

Isolate any horse showing fever, nasal discharge or lymph node swelling and contact a vet
Implement strict quarantine with no horse movement in or out during a confirmed strangles outbreak
Test all recovered horses for carrier status with guttural pouch endoscopy before ending quarantine
Consider vaccination for horses at higher risk from competition or sales exposure
Disinfect shared equipment, water troughs and contact surfaces during and after outbreaks