Strangles widespread across the UK!

As high profile strangles outbreaks continue to hit the UK, a survey carried out by Intervet for Strangles Awareness Week has revealed that a shocking 42 per cent of horse owners were aware of confirmed cases of the disease in their area within the last month, with 50 per cent of those questioned reporting outbreaks within the preceding three months.

And with increased openness and communication one of the goals of the recently launched Strangles STEPS (Strategy to Eradicate and Prevent Strangles), the equine community would like to put a stop to outbreaks being kept undercover which often leads to the disease spreading unnecessarily.  Indeed, nearly 95 per cent of those questioned would like the industry to introduce a standard reporting procedure to help control the disease.

The research also highlighted the fact that only 42 per cent of yards have a stable management and hygiene policy, which is a major factor in helping to prevent the disease.  In addition, educating horse owners about strangles is key with only 40 per cent of horse owners participating in the survey realising that dogs and cats could carry the bacterium which causes the disease, Streptococcus equi, on their pads and fur and only a quarter of respondents were aware that the bacterium could live on wood for up to 63 days.

Alasdair King, veterinary manager at Intervet UK and Strangles Strategy Group Committee member, comments: “Our research shows that strangles is widespread throughout the UK, but knowledge of the disease and yard policies to help prevent diseases such as strangles are sadly lacking within the equine community.  The newly launched Strangles STEPS, will help educate horse owners on the disease and the clinical signs to look out for and encourage openness and communication should strangles hit a yard.  This, in turn, will hopefully destroy the stigma that surrounds the disease.”

“With the launch of the Strangles STEPS we’re one step closer to preventing the most contagious equine disease in the world,” adds Helene Mauchlen from The BHS.  “And for yards unlucky enough to be hit by the disease, the STEPS features a simple set of practical steps to follow in both suspected and confirmed cases.”

For more information on strangles, how to prevent it and what to do in the event of an outbreak visit www.equine-strangles.co.uk and download the Strangles STEPS.