Sarcoids: Contageous?

[Stella2]

Having done a bit of research it seems that, although sarcoids are not believed to be contageous, the jury is still out.

Softee and I have moved to a new yard recently. She was turned out with two other mares, one of which is in foal. Unfortunately, there has been a bit of argey bargey - caused by Softee's presence being the new girl. Understandably, they need to take extra care of the one in foal, so Softee has been going out alone and she is not happy about this :( I asked if they could find something to put her out with and said I don't mind if its a gelding. The head girl suggested one - she is to discuss it with the YO.

The thing is, this chap has the worst case of sarcoids I have ever seen :eek: So my question is has anyone here ever known of a case of them being passed from one horse to another? I'm just a bit concerned about mutual grooming as he has so many, she would surely come across one! However, I don't want her to be out alone standing by the gate in misery either!

[pebbles82]

I dont know for certain but i dont think they can be passed on, one of my ponies had sarcoids she doesnt anymore but none of my others caught them, they were all fine.
Sorry not much help :)

[Stella2]

Thanks Pebbles, it is helpful. I really want to hear about others personal experiences :)

[Sophini]

I had a mare with sarcoids so have also done some research into this. From what i recall there is no known instances of them being passed between horses grazing together and i kept my mare with 5 others with no appearance in the other horses.

I think a lot of the uncertainty is in whether the sarcoids can be passed form mare to foal, i would never breed from a mare with sarcoids because of this possibility and the huge impact sarcoids can have on the value of the horse

[Lgd]

Seen several with sarcoids over the years and never seen it passed on yet. There is probably a big genetic element to it as to why some horses get them and others don't.

[Kimo]

ETA: Uh oh... I think I may be confusing sarcoids with warts, so please take what I said below with a grain of salt. The horse I was thinking of had warts on his muzzle.

Hi There--

Last year my mare was turned out with 11 other horses, one of whom had sarcoids all over his muzzle. I have to admit, it sort of grossed me out.

However, I'm pleased to tell you that NOT ONE the other 11 horses in the pasture with him developed anything. We were in that pasture for 6-8 months.

[NoviceNic]

We have a mare with a sarcoid and she grazes with all of ours. No signs of it passing and we have owned her for 8 months.