STRANGLES - Redwings

We suggest you use full quarantine measures and test every
new arrival to the yard. Treat a new horse as if it is positive
for Strangles.
Even if you are confident the risk is low, you should still limit the contact with
other horses and observe closely for any early signs of Strangles for at least two
weeks. Take its temperature daily for two weeks, which will give you an early
indication of any problems.
Even if just one answer falls into the medium or high risk categories, it is strongly
advised that you use full quarantine measures and testing for every new arrival.
What’s the risk?
Find out the following things about a new arrival:
Is the risk high or low?
Low risk Medium risk High risk
1 History of origin
• Private sale from a source known to you.
• Owner has a complete ownership history.
• The source has good bio-security measures
in place.
• From a reputable equine charity.
• Private sale with some ownership history
and some history of vet checks.
• Previous location seemingly of a
good standard.
• No ownership history available
• From a busy field/yard with lots of horse
movements, or onsite competitions.
• From a yard or area that has previously
had a Strangles outbreak.
• From a sale, auction, or dealer.
• Has been ‘rescued’ by an individual
or an unregistered organisation.
2 Level of contact with
other horses
• Has spent a number of years with the same
companions all in the ownership of the same
person.
• From a yard or home with shared fields and
a number of different owners.
• It is not known what level of contact
the horse has had with other horses.
3 Medical history
• Has a complete history of regular
veterinary checks.
• Some medical history available
• Unknown medical history,
or from an unreliable source.
4 Current health
• Confirmed to have had a full Five Stage
Vetting, with additional testing for Strangles
within the last two weeks.
• Horse shows signs of all round good
health but has had no vet check or specific
Strangles testing.
• Currently has a respiratory problem
or nasal discharge
• Has recently had a nasal discharge or shown
symptoms of a respiratory problem.
• Intermittent undiagnosed nasal discharge.
5 Transport
• Travelled alone using owner’s own transport
that has been disinfected after every use.
• Commercial or hire transport used but
travelled alone.
• Commercial or hire transport used and
travelled with other horses.
Redwings guide to Strangles. Page 10
Redwings guide to Strangles. Page 11