Warning to Industry – Strangles

This is a reminder to all Harness Racing Industry participants, that with the increased movement of horses associated with breeding activities, horses being broken in, and horses moving into training, that we all need to be aware of the possible occurrence and transmission of Strangles.

Currently there are three properties temporarily quarantined in Victoria because of the occurrence of Strangles. Streptococcus Equi Equi – Strangles –  is a highly contagious and generally an upper respiratory tract bacterial infection of horses.

Clinical signs of the disease may include an elevated temperature, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and enlargement of the lymph nodes beneath the jaw/throat area, which may lead onto abscessation, difficulty eating, and difficulty breathing (the origin of the word Strangles).

Rarely horses will develop abscesses in other sites either externally or internally such as in the abdominal or thoracic cavities – abscesses in these areas are the cause of what is known as Bastard Strangles – these horses become chronic poor doers, usually carriers, and can die of complications associated with the abscesses.

There is a view in veterinary circles that horses that are gelded while incubating Strangles are at a greater risk of developing post-operative complications such as peritonitis, and it is thought to be unwise to geld horses that have recently been exposed to horses with Strangles.
 
Strangles can be fatal at worst, and occurrence normally leads to easily preventable animal welfare issues, and severe economic loss through interruption to training and racing. Strangles is immediately notifiable to both Harness Racing Victoria and the State Government Primary Industry Departments.

Harness Racing Victoria participants are required to inform Harness Racing Victoria (the Stewards Department) and their own veterinarian immediately if they have reason to suspect that Strangles is present in a horse or property under their control – an accurate diagnosis is well worth the effort. Strangles is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate from stables and horse populations once established. The best chance of eradicating Strangles from a property is to stop further spread from the primary case.

Industry participants are strongly encouraged to review Bio-Security and basic horse health management practices such as regular temperature taking (particularly in racing horses), and to Quarantine, as best as possible, new or returning horses to properties, especially racing stables. Strangles is spread not only by close horse to horse contact, but also by the use of common gear, feed and water troughs, tie-up areas, and horse transport vehicles ie floats and trucks.
 

Vaccinations are available to help prevent and minimise the effects of Strangles – an initial course involves 3 vaccinations 2 weeks apart, followed up by 6-12 monthly boosters to maintain immunity – the most economic solution is to use a combined Strangles Tetanus Vaccination.

Harness Racing Victoria Stewards, Anthony PEARCE, Stephen SVANOSIO can be contacted in relation to strangles on 03 8378 0289.

Harness Racing Victoria