Strangles is one of the most contagious diseases in the equine world, and if it appears on your yard, acting quickly and decisively is critical. Knowing what to do in those first few hours and days can make all the difference in protecting your horse and preventing further spread.
What is Strangles and How is it Spread?
Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. It spreads easily between horses through direct contact, as well as indirectly via contaminated equipment, clothing, water troughs, and surfaces.
Because the bacteria can survive in the environment, even shared buckets or a handler’s hands can unknowingly pass the infection from one horse to another. This is why strong biosecurity is essential—not just during an outbreak, but as an ongoing practice.
Spotting the Signs Early
Early detection is key. Symptoms can include:
- High temperature
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Nasal discharge
- Swelling of lymph nodes around the head and neck
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act immediately.
Emergency Steps to Take
If you suspect or confirm a case of strangles on your yard:
1. Isolate immediately.
Move the affected horse away from others and create clear isolation zones.
2. Stop Movement
Restrict horses, people, and equipment from moving on or off the yard to prevent spread.
3. Contact Your Vet
Your vet will advise on testing, treatment, and next steps.
4. Implement Strict Hygiene
Use separate equipment for isolated horses, disinfect hands, boots, and clothing, and avoid cross-contamination at all costs.
5. Communicate Clearly
Make sure everyone on the yard understands the situation and follows the same protocols.
Bring in Professional Biosecurity Support
Managing an outbreak can quickly become overwhelming, which is why bringing in expert help early is so valuable.
The Equine Bio Genie service team can attend your yard promptly to implement robust biosecurity measures, including disinfection protocols and containment strategies. Acting fast with professional support not only helps control the outbreak more effectively but also reduces the risk of prolonged disruption.
Ongoing Biosecurity: Protecting Your Horse Long-Term
Even after an outbreak is under control, maintaining strong biosecurity is essential to prevent future cases.
Simple but effective measures include:
- Regularly disinfecting stables, equipment, and high-contact areas
- Avoiding shared water buckets and grooming kits
- Monitoring horses daily for changes in temperature or behaviour
- Isolating new arrivals before introducing them to the yard
- Practising good hygiene when handling different horses
By making these practices part of your routine, you take control of your horse’s health and significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Take Control, Protect Your Yard
Strangles can spread quickly, but with the right approach, it can be contained. Acting early, following strict protocols, and using our effective disinfectant products and professional services gives you the best chance of protecting your horse and your yard.
Preparedness and prevention are your strongest tools, because when it comes to strangles, control is everything.
If you have any questions about how you can protect your horse and yard from a strangles out break please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of the team.
Bespoke Equine Testing
We have gone to the very well respected equine laboratory of the Irish Equine Centre to have additional efficacy testing carried out.
We have commissioned testing done to unusually low contact times across various dilution rates. These tests were carried out using an equine serum as an interfering agent under clean and dirty conditions