Strangles

Strangles, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi equi, is one of the most important horse diseases in NSW.

It is a notifiable disease which means that if your horse has strangles you have a legal obligation to report it.

Strangles is usually seen in young horses but it can infect older horses. Outbreaks sometimes occur when large numbers of horses are held in close contact.

Strangles affects the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head.

It rapidly spreads from horse to horse through coughing, or by eating feed or drinking water that has been contaminated by a sick horse.

Contaminated grooming utensils, rugs, feed bins, or humans (hands, clothing, etc.) can also spread the infection.

The contents of this Primefact include information on the following:

• Diagnosis
• Treatment and horse welfare
• Preventing spread to other horses on your property
• Reducing the risk of introducing strangles to your property
• Why is strangles notifiable?