The Importance of Strangles Tests

As a new horse owner, it’s important to understand the risks associated with strangles and the importance of regular testing. When purchasing a new horse, it’s important to ensure that a strangles test has been arranged. As such, I wanted to explore what strangles tests are for, how they are done, the different results, and the UK laws around moving horses to new yards.

What is Strangles?

Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects horses. It is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi and is characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. Strangles can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected horse, as well as through contaminated equipment, feed, or water sources.

What are Strangles Tests?

Strangles tests are designed to detect the presence of the Streptococcus equi bacteria in a horse’s respiratory tract. There are two main types of tests: the guttural pouch wash and the nasopharyngeal swab.

• Guttural pouch wash: This involves flushing out the guttural pouches with a saline solution and collecting a sample for analysis.
• Nasopharyngeal swab: This involves inserting a long swab into the horse’s nostril to collect a sample of the secretions in the upper respiratory tract.

The results of the tests will determine whether a horse is positive or negative for the Streptococcus equi bacteria.

Positive Results

If a horse tests positive for strangles, it means they are actively infected with the Streptococcus equi bacteria. In this case, the horse should be isolated and treated with antibiotics. All horses that have been in contact with the infected horse should be tested and monitored for signs of infection.

Negative Results

If a horse tests negative for strangles, it means they are not currently infected with the Streptococcus equi bacteria. However, it’s important to note that a negative test result does not guarantee that the horse is free of infection. It is still possible for the horse to be a carrier of the bacteria without showing any symptoms.

UK Laws Around Moving Horses to New Yards

In the UK, there are laws in place to help prevent the spread of strangles between yards. Before moving a horse to a new yard, the horse owner must provide proof of a negative strangles test within the previous six months. In addition, the new yard may require a quarantine period to monitor the horse for signs of infection before allowing them to mix with the other horses on the yard.

Regular strangles testing is an important part of responsible horse ownership. By detecting infections early and taking appropriate measures to isolate and treat infected horses, we can help prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the health and well-being of all horses. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your horse may be infected with strangles.