What is Strangles?

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the head and neck in horses. It is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi equi).

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What to Look Out For (Clinical Signs)

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Clinical signs can vary, but here are the key things you should watch for in a horse that may have strangles:

• Fever (usually the first sign): Often at least 39−40∘C or 102.5−104∘F.
• Abscesses: Swollen and painful lymph nodes around the head and neck develop into abscesses (collections of pus).
• Breathing and Swallowing Difficulty: This can include abnormal respiratory noises.
• Runny Nose: Starts watery but quickly becomes thick pus within a few days.
• Other signs: Cough, depression, and loss of appetite.

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Atypical Strangles

Be aware of 'atypical strangles,' a form where horses show only very mild clinical signs but are still fully infectious and can spread the disease.

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Serious Complications

Though most horses recover, strangles can lead to severe complications:

• 'Bastard Strangles': Occurs when abscesses form in different, internal areas of the body, rather than just the head and neck.
• Purpura Haemorrhagica: A serious condition involving inflammation of the blood vessels. This leads to swelling (oedema) often seen under the belly, on the limbs, and on the sheath. Small areas of bruising and bleeding may also be seen on the gums and eyes (mucous membranes)

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Transmission and Carriers

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Transmission

Strangles is spread easily, both through direct horse-to-horse contact and indirectly via contaminated drinking water, feed, equipment, and even people.

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Carriers

Approximately one in 10 horses that recover from strangles become long-term carriers. While their clinical signs resolve, some bacteria remain in the guttural pouch. These horses appear healthy but will periodically shed bacteria, infecting in-contact horses without warning.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

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Diagnosis

An initial diagnosis may be based on the clinical signs listed above. Confirmation requires tests, usually involving swabs or other samples, to check for the presence of the Streptococcus equi equi bacteria.

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Advanced Strangles Detection: The Epona Lavage Test

West Ridge Equine is pleased to offer the Epona Streptococcus equi Lavage Test which is available on site.

This is a new generation of molecular testing that delivers fast, reliable results. It works by precisely detecting and identifying fragments of the Streptococcus equi genome—the bacteria that causes strangles.

In simple terms, this test gives us a clear and rapid indication of whether or not the strangles pathogen is present, helping us quickly determine the cause of your horse's clinical signs. Results can be obtained the same day.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on providing the horse with good nursing and supportive care and using anti-inflammatory medication to keep them comfortable. Most horses recover within three to four weeks, but complicated or severe cases may take longer.

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Prevention and Outbreak Management

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Prevention

Prevention is key and involves a combination of measures:

1. Isolation: New horses entering a yard should be isolated for 3–4 weeks before joining the herd.
2. Carrier Identification: Since horses can be silent carriers, blood tests are a useful tool to identify these animals before they can infect others.
3. Vaccination: Vaccination is an important management tool that, when combined with good biosecurity, can improve herd immunity and reduce the number of strangles cases.

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Outbreak Management

If a strangles outbreak occurs, the key is to manage and separate horses immediately:

Close the Premises

The yard or premises should be closed to prevent all horse movement in and out.

Grouping Horses

Horses should be split into three groups based on risk and managed completely separately:

• Red Group: Horses showing clinical  signs or those that have tested positive.
• Amber Group: Horses with known contact  with positive cases.
• Green Group: Horses who have had no  known contact with positive cases.

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Management Protocol

• All equipment used for each group must be thoroughly disinfected.
• Any horse in the Amber or Green group that develops a fever or other signs must be moved to the Red group immediately.
• Take rectal temperatures twice daily for all horses to check for early signs of fever.

The premises must remain closed, with no horse movements, until the yard is certified free of the disease.

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