WSDA Warning Horse Owners To Be On The Lookout For Strangles

The Washington state Department of Agriculture is asking Horse owners across the Northwest to keep an eye out for strangles.  Dr. Ric Torgerson says strangles is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus.  He added while the name may not be familiar, he says the disease is fairly common.

“It causes fevers, it may also have associated with it swelling and possible abscesses in the mandibular lymph nodes, underneath the jaw, behind the jaw, up in the upper neck region.  So, as a consequence you might see some thick white or yellow mucus discharge form nose.”

Dr. Torgerson said owners should also watch for inflammation of the throat, which can lead to difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing and more.  The incubation of strangles is three to 14 days.  Dr. Torgerson said the disease if fairly self-limiting, but whether your horse tests positive, or you just suspect they have strangles, Dr. Torgerson says biosecurity is pivotal.

“Only work with the sick ones and wash your hands, get rid of the organic materials and disinfect everything you can.  It’s very important that you don’t be part of the flumate or yourself transfer bacteria to other horses.”

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