How to minimise the spread of Strangles

What is Strangles?
Strangles is highly infectious and contagious. It is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Equi. Lymph nodes in the upper respiratory tract become enlarged, particularly noticeable between the jawbones where open sores can appear. This causes the horse to make strangled breathing sounds.

What are the symptoms?
Affected horses may show signs of a high temperature, loss of appetite with coughing and a thin, watery nasal discharge. This is not obvious in the carrier state and the bacteria can still be present up to a month after all clinical signs are gone.

How is Strangles contracted?
Younger horses are most susceptible and acquire it from an infected horse that is shedding the bacteria. Direct contact is most common but it can be spread through contaminated equipment such as tack, buckets and in the stalls.

How can you prevent Strangles?

• Contact your vet at the earliest sign of infection for advice on the latest vaccines
• A regular and thorough hygiene regime will minimise the risk of the disease but if diagnosed the regime must be followed repeatedly to prevent transference to other horses.
• A powerful biocidal cleanser such as Equine Viroklenz* will kill the Strangles bacteria.
• Monitor all new arrivals at the stables closely. Any horses suspected of carrying the bacteria must be isolated and if diagnosed every precaution must be taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
• About a month after diagnosis of the infection following the period of isolation, bedding should be removed and burned. The stables should then be swept clean and all surfaces and areas of heavy contamination such as stable floors disinfected using Viroklenz* Super Strength diluted 50 to 1.

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