Here you will find all the essential information about strangles in horses, a highly contagious infectious disease that primarily affects horses and donkeys.
What is Druse?
Strangles, medically known as „Coryza contagiosa equorum,“ is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, equi. This illness is extremely contagious to horses, but there is no risk of transmission to other animals or humans. Foals and weakened horses are particularly at risk. The term „strangles“ is thought to derive from botany and refers to the pus-filled lymph nodes that appear in affected animals.
Clinical course
The bacterium mainly affects the upper airways. The most common symptoms of strangles include:
– Rise in body temperature
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Cough
– Purulent nasal discharge
Shortness of breath
Painful swelling of the lymph nodes
The illness often begins with a high fever and can lead to lymph node abscesses in severe cases. A key characteristic is the rapid spread of the disease within a horse population.
Transfer
Strangles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly throughout the entire horse population. Transmission occurs via:
– Sharing of saddles, halters, drinking troughs and feed troughs
– Direct contact between horses through nasal discharge and coughing expulsions
– people who come into contact with diseased animals
– about pitchforks, wheelbarrows,
If strangles are suspected, affected horses should be isolated immediately and the stable disinfected. Recovered horses can continue to transmit the bacteria for up to four weeks after symptoms have subsided.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of strangles can only be made by a veterinarian. The gold standard involves taking an endoscopic guttural pouch flush sample and having it analysed in a laboratory using a PCR test. This test usually takes 48 hours.
An investigation using a nasal swab is conclusive in a positive case but is considered less reliable than bronchoalveolar lavage.
Treatment
The treatment of strangles absolutely requires consultation with a veterinarian, as inadequate treatment can, in the worst-case scenario, lead to the horse's death.
Regulations regarding sand colic in horses
In North Rhine-Westphalia, strangles is neither a notifiable nor a reportable disease. The official veterinarian does not need to be informed, and there are no ordered stable closures or tournament cancellations. However, stable owners are obliged not to move animals from their premises until the waiting period (approximately three to four weeks after the last symptoms have subsided) has expired.
Vaccinations
The available rabies vaccine only offers short-term protection of approximately three months and is not free of side effects. Vaccination is not possible if the disease has already broken out in the stable. Protection only exists after primary immunisation, which consists of two vaccinations two weeks apart.
Conclusion
Strangles in horses is a serious illness that can quickly lead to severe health problems. If you suspect strangles or have questions about vaccination and treatment, we are available to help at any time. Protect your horse and get informed with us!
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