Strangles in horses caused by streptococcus equi,is a very contagious respiratory disease.All horse ages can be affected but foals and travel horses are very susceptible.The incubation period is 2 weeks but the affected horses still shed bacteria for longer periods,thus their can be new incidence on farm after index case.The form of infection is direct or indirect route, the direct route usually through water buckets where bacteria can survive for long periods of time.10% of affected horses become carriers.
The common signs are fever,nasal discharge,cough,depression,lack of appetite,enlarged lymph nodes that form abscess that eventually ruptures.The affected horses may or may not show classical signs aside from fever,hence the conditions can go un diagnosed on the farm.
There are certain complications in strangles infection which makes condition fatal; 1) Abscesses can be formed in other body organs referred to as "bastard strangles".2) Purpura haemorrhagia ;where the blood vessels are damaged and can be identified by swollen limbs,blood blisters around eyes and lips.This can lead to death because of circulatory failure.
Prevention.
1) vaccination.
2) separate/isolate horses by ages and susceptibility status.
3) strict bio security protocol.
4) limit number of horses/ stable/barn in the farm.
Treatment.
1) isolate affected horses.
2) use dedicated feed/water bowl.
3) restrict movement, do not turn on pasture.
4) proper manure management/disposal.
5)antibiotics.
6) wound treatment to prevent fly strikes.
6) vitamin supplement .
Strangles in horses caused by streptococcus equi,is a very contagious respiratory disease.All horse ages can be affected but foals and travel horses are very susceptible.The incubation period is 2 weeks but the affected horses still shed bacteria for longer periods,thus their can be new incidence on farm after index case.The form of infection is direct or indirect route, the direct route usually through water buckets where bacteria can survive for long periods of time.10% of affected horses become carriers.
The common signs are fever,nasal discharge,cough,depression,lack of appetite,enlarged lymph nodes that form abscess that eventually ruptures.The affected horses may or may not show classical signs aside from fever,hence the conditions can go un diagnosed on the farm.
There are certain complications in strangles infection which makes condition fatal; 1) Abscesses can be formed in other body organs referred to as "bastard strangles".2) Purpura haemorrhagia ;where the blood vessels are damaged and can be identified by swollen limbs,blood blisters around eyes and lips.This can lead to death because of circulatory failure.
Prevention.
1) vaccination.
2) separate/isolate horses by ages and susceptibility status.
3) strict bio security protocol.
4) limit number of horses/ stable/barn in the farm.
Treatment.
1) isolate affected horses.
2) use dedicated feed/water bowl.
3) restrict movement, do not turn on pasture.
4) proper manure management/disposal.
5)antibiotics.
6) wound treatment to prevent fly strikes.
6) vitamin supplement .
