Strangles Awareness Week 05 – 11 May 2025
Strangles Awareness Week will run 05 – 11 May. It’s the most diagnosed equine disease worldwide!
Streptococcus equi – AKA Strangles, Equine Distemper, is a gram positive bacterium and highly contagious, causing upper respiratory tract infection to horses, ponies and donkeys.
It’s critical to prevent the spread of this disease! Prevent cross-contamination and direct contact – animal to animal or animal to human, contaminated food and feed equipment, water and equipment, tack and equipment (particularly those that are shared), human handlers that feed treats, clothing, rugs, riders and groomers.
Immediate isolation of infected horses, regular disinfection of stalls, all surfaces, and wood, water buckets, feed troughs, and other equipment will help prevent the spread of strangles. The use of a disinfectant-cleaner that is extremely effective against bacteria and fungi is essential. Plus, handwashing or hand sanitisation is a simple and effective tool.
Have strict precautions in place to limit the spread of the illness. An isolation period of 4–6 weeks is usually necessary to ensure that the disease is not still incubating before ending the quarantine period. Equines of any age may contract the disease. The young and elderly equines are more at risk.
Signs: Fever, usually preceding other clinical signs by 24-48 hours Lymphadenopathy +/- abscessation (retropharyngeal and submandibular LNs most commonly involved) Mucopurulent nasal discharge Pharyngitis Dysphagia Upper airway stridor Clinical signs are age related, with older horses typically exhibiting milder signs of shorter duration. An infected animal can stop eating due to difficulty in breathing and swallowing (hence the name strangles).
Protection is better than cure! Peace of mind when it comes to the wellbeing of your horses.
#equine #equinedisinfectant #vets #equinevets
To help combat this disease and stop the spread, we offer #discounts on our #disinfectants VirEquine, Vira-Care and Bacta-Care. See Special Offers on our website OR phone in and will discuss the best savings and deals for you 🙂
