Strangles
Cut through the myths and misinformation about Strangles with the help of Redwings' experienced veterinary team. Anyone who owns or interacts with equines should make sure they understand the facts about this widely feared disease.
Strangles is a nasty, highly contagious disease that can affect any equine. It is very common in the UK and can cause havoc in places such as riding schools and livery yards where many equines are kept togther and the illness spreads rapidly. Unfortunately, tackling Strangles effectively is made harder by common misconceptions about the disease, conflicting advice and information and an unnecessary stigma that often leads people to avoid dealing responsibly with an outbreak.
Redwings has run a successful Strangles screening program for every equine arrival at the Sanctuary for more than 15 years. Our veterinary surgeons have exceptional knowledge of the disease and how to treat and manage a Strangles positive equine. On several occasions we have even agreed to accept an equine known to be suffering from Strangles into our care because we are confident we have the knowledge and facilities to treat the equine without endangering our other equine residents.
To download a comprehensive introduction to the Strangles disease and how to tackle it, click on the image below which will open Redwings' Strangles leaflet in a pdf format. Alternatively, you can us on 01508 481007 or by emailing externalwelfare@redwings.co.uk to request a hard copy of the leaflet.
Strangles is of particular concern in yard environments, where there is continuous movement of people and horses on and off site as well as around the property. There will always be a significant risk of a Strangles outbreak in this type of establishment but there are several steps that yard and horse owners can take to reduce the risks of an outbreak and minimise the spread of Strangles should it occur.
If a horse develops Strangles then it is essential to isolate it from other horses at the yard in a designated quarantine area. Click here for a comprehensive checklist of items you will need for successful quarantine. This area needs to be clearly marked so that nobody enters it unless authorised to do so. Click here to download a sign to mark this area, which has quarantine procedures clearly set out on it.
A key issue which compromises effective Strangles management is the stigma attached to the disease. There is no direct link between poor welfare standards and Strangles and the illness can affect any equine, whatever their age, breeding. lifestyle or ownership. Covering up Strangles or 'blaming' the owner of a Strangles positive equine is singularly unhelpful and prevents the open, co-operative approach that is a vital part of tackling the illness and preventing it from spreading. Any equine with Strangles has simply come into contact, directly or indirectly, with another equine that is either suffering from Strangles or is a Strangles carrier.
Beautiful Clydesdale mare Rosie came from a loving private home when her owner became seriously ill. It was only when Rosie was tested routinely on her arrival at Redwings that we found she was a Strangles carrier. She was easily treated and soon free from contagious bacteria.
Report a welfare concern
If you want to report a horse, pony or donkey that you are concerned about, please see our get in touch section.
