Strangles

[DebO]

I've put a thread under Horses Health also.

Please be aware there are cases of Strangles in West Sussex and Hants area. If you are planning to go to any shows, think again.

Strangles is very contagious and easily spread by humans.

[DebO]

I've just been told (by a reliable source) that there are outbreaks in the Gatwick area. Because people do not know it is around they do not realise what they have got until too late and it has swept through their yards.

Other cases I know of are near Chichester in West Sussex, Wickham near Fareham in Hants, and someone said there has been a case in Chesire.

There is too much secrecy surrounding these outbreaks, if people aren't careful it will end up like foot and mouth.

If you don't know, Strangles is a very contagious disease easily spread by humans. The horse will have a high temp, be off its food, be depressed, have thick nasal discharge, swellings under the jaw (hence why its called strangles as these swellings can be fatal if pressing against windpipe). These swellings sometimes have to be lanced, or will burst. No antibiotics can deal with this disease. Strict handling with limited human contact, disenfect everything the horse has come into contact with. It can last for weeks. Some horses show no signs but can be carriers. Only swabs can detect it if there are no visible signs.