Vet Services is encouraging horse owners to remain vigilant following the recent Strangles outbreak in parts of the North Island. While there are currently no reported cases in Hawke’s Bay, the situation is evolving, and horse owners are encouraged to take sensible precautions to protect their horses and help prevent the spread of disease.
What is Strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease of horses caused by Streptococcus equi. It can affect horses of all ages and spreads easily through direct horse-to-horse contact, as well as via contaminated equipment, feed bins, water troughs, clothing, footwear, vehicles, and people moving between horses.
Although most horses recover with appropriate care, Strangles can spread rapidly through horse populations and may significantly impact horse welfare, training, events, and movements if not effectively contained.
Know the Signs
Early detection is one of the most important tools in controlling Strangles. Horse owners should watch for:
- Fever (often the earliest sign)
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or depression
- Coughing
- Thick nasal discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes (“glands”) around the head and throat
If your horse develops a fever, especially after travelling, attending an event, or mixing with unfamiliar horses, it should be treated as a potential Strangles case until proven otherwise.
Your Thermometer is Your Best Tool
Regular temperature monitoring is strongly recommended during periods of increased disease risk.
Daily temperature checks can identify illness before more obvious clinical signs appear. Detecting a fever early allows horses to be isolated quickly, reducing the risk of spreading infection to others.
Why Vaccination Matters
Vaccination is an important tool in reducing the risk and impact of Strangles outbreaks. While vaccination may not prevent every infection, it can help reduce the severity of disease and may decrease the likelihood of spread within horse populations.
We encourage horse owners to discuss their individual risk profile with one of our veterinarians and consider whether Strangles vaccination is appropriate for their horses.
If You Suspect Strangles
If your horse shows signs of illness:
- Isolate the horse immediately
- Avoid contact with other horses
- Do not share equipment, feed bins, or water troughs
- Contact your veterinarian for advice and testing
- Good Biosecurity Protects Everyone
Stay Informed
The Strangles situation is continuing to develop, and recommendations may change as new information becomes available.
For the latest updates on the outbreak, biosecurity advice, vaccination information, and any developments affecting Hawke’s Bay and the wider North Island, visit the VS Equine website
If you have any concerns about your horse’s health or would like to discuss Strangles prevention and vaccination options, please contact the VS Equine team. We’re here to help you protect your horses and stay informed
