Strangles: the most prevalent infectious respiratory disease in horses worldwide.

 Strangles is a highly contagious disease of equids including horses, donkeys and ponies.  It is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi, often abbreviated Strep. Equi. It is called "strangles" because of the strangled breathing sounds the very ill horse may make as a result of profuse nasal discharge and the swellings that form in the head and neck region. 

 Most animals fully recover from strangles in two to four weeks. Although enduring immunity against re-infection is variable, in some equids it can last for years.  However, not all horses develop a protective immunity upon recovery.  Some horses, although they appear healthy, shed the bacteria in nasal secretions for a prolonged period and can infect nearby horses. 

 Because Strangles is already in New Zealand it is called an ENDEMIC disease.  Currently there is no formal control programme for the disease but almost all of the formal equestrian sporting bodies have rules preventing strangles infected animals from attending events.  

Together the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation and the Rodmor Charitable Trust have kindly sponsored an informative video on strangles presented by equine veterinarian Dr Paul Fraser.