Strangles is a highly contagious disease that affects horses and other equine animals, and is caused by the Streptococcus equi bacterium. It is one of the most common equine diseases, and can have serious consequences if not treated promptly and appropriately. The disease can be spread through direct contact with an infected animal, through shared food and water troughs, or through the air.
In this article, we will explore how long a horse can remain a carrier of strangles, what the symptoms and treatments are, and how to prevent the spread of strangles.
What is Strangles?
Strangles is an upper respiratory infection that affects horses, caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi. It is typically found in horses that are kept in close proximity with one another, such as those in stables, racetracks, or showgrounds. The infection is spread through direct contact with an infected animal, or through shared food and water troughs.
The disease is characterized by symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in the throat, fever, nasal discharge, and difficulty swallowing. In some cases, the infection can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia. In severe cases, strangles can be fatal if not treated promptly and appropriately.
How Long Can a Horse Remain a Carrier of Strangles?
A horse can remain a carrier of strangles for up to 6 weeks after the initial infection. During this time, the horse can still spread the disease to other horses, even if it is not displaying any symptoms.
It is important to note that even after the initial infection has passed, the bacteria can remain in the horse’s body, and the horse can still be contagious. In some cases, a horse can remain a carrier of the disease for up to 6 months.
Symptoms of Strangles
The most common symptoms of strangles include fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes in the throat. In some cases, the infection can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia. If left untreated, the infection can be fatal.
Other symptoms can include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and excessive salivation. In some cases, the infection can cause abscesses in the throat and lungs.
Treatment for Strangles
Strangles is typically treated with antibiotics, and supportive care such as fluids and nutrition. In some cases, the infection can require surgical intervention.
It is important to note that strangles is highly contagious, and so all other horses in the stable must be monitored closely for signs of the disease. Any horse that displays signs of strangles must be isolated from the other horses and treated promptly and appropriately.
Preventing the Spread of Strangles
The best way to prevent the spread of strangles is to ensure that all horses in the stable are vaccinated against the disease. Vaccinating against the disease is the most effective way to protect the horse and prevent the spread of the infection.
In addition, good hygiene practices should be followed in the stable, such as cleaning and disinfecting shared food and water troughs, and avoiding direct contact with other horses. If a horse displays signs of strangles, it should be isolated from the other horses immediately.
Conclusion
Strangles is a highly contagious disease that affects horses and other equine animals, and is caused by the Streptococcus equi bacterium. It is one of the most common equine diseases, and can have serious consequences if not treated promptly and appropriately. A horse can remain a carrier of the disease for up to 6 weeks after the initial infection, and in some cases, a horse can remain a carrier of the disease for up to 6 months. The most common symptoms of strangles include fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes in the throat. The best way to prevent the spread of strangles is to ensure that all horses in the stable are vaccinated against the disease, and to follow good hygiene practices in the stable.