Strangles is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting horses. Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, the condition spreads quickly between horses and can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. Because of its contagious nature, early detection and professional veterinary care are essential in controlling outbreaks.
Horse owners, yard managers, and breeders should understand how strangles spreads, recognise the early symptoms, and know what steps to take to protect their horses. With prompt veterinary treatment and careful biosecurity measures, most horses can recover successfully while preventing the disease from spreading further.
Below, we explore the causes, treatment options, and effective prevention strategies for strangles.
What Causes Strangles in Horses?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects a horse’s lymph nodes and upper respiratory system. The disease spreads easily through direct contact between horses or through shared equipment, water sources, or handlers who have come into contact with an infected animal.
Once a horse becomes infected, the bacteria multiply within the lymph nodes around the throat and jaw. These lymph nodes often become swollen and may form abscesses, which can eventually rupture and release infectious material.
Because strangles spreads so easily, outbreaks often occur in environments where horses are in close contact, such as livery yards, training facilities, or events where multiple horses gather. Even horses that appear healthy can carry the bacteria temporarily, which is why careful management and veterinary oversight are important in controlling the disease.
Recognising the risk factors and understanding how the infection spreads can help horse owners take steps to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
The symptoms of strangles can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual horse. However, there are several common signs that owners should watch for.
Early symptoms often include fever, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. As the infection develops, horses may show nasal discharge and noticeable swelling around the throat or jaw area. These swellings are caused by infected lymph nodes that can form painful abscesses.
Treatment for strangles usually focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms while the horse’s immune system clears the infection. In many cases, veterinarians will monitor the horse closely and guide isolation, hygiene measures, and appropriate care during recovery.
Severely affected horses or those with complications may require additional veterinary treatment. Because the disease is contagious, strict isolation protocols are essential to prevent it from spreading to other horses on the yard.
Early veterinary involvement plays a key role in managing strangles effectively and reducing the risk of further transmission.
Veterinary Support from Hambleton Equine
When dealing with infectious diseases like strangles, professional veterinary support is essential. Hambleton Equine provides experienced equine veterinary care to help horse owners manage and control outbreaks safely.
The team at Hambleton Equine understands the challenges that infectious diseases can present for horse owners and yard managers. Our veterinarians can assist with diagnosis, treatment plans, and biosecurity advice designed to minimise the spread of infection.
Through careful monitoring, diagnostic testing, and expert guidance, Hambleton Equine helps owners navigate the management of strangles while prioritising the health and welfare of every horse involved.
With extensive experience in equine health and disease management, the clinic works closely with clients to provide practical advice and reliable veterinary care throughout the recovery process.
Contact Hambleton Equine
If you suspect a case of strangles or need veterinary advice about managing infectious diseases in horses, the team at Hambleton Equine is here to help.
Our experienced veterinarians can provide guidance, diagnosis, and treatment plans tailored to the needs of your horse while helping prevent the spread of infection within your yard.
Contact Hambleton Equine today for professional equine veterinary support and expert care for your horse.