STRANGLES - Redwings

Using this guide
Strangles outbreaks are common. Any horse is at risk of
contracting the disease unless steps are taken to prevent it.
This guide gives all the information needed for you to understand Strangles, spot the signs
and prevent an outbreak. It contains a checklist of everything you need to set up a quarantine
area and has a quarantine protocol which can be circulated to everybody at your yard.
Part One
KNOW STRANGLES
To help ditch the Strangles stigma, we have included a poster in this pack for you to
display at your yard. We hope that this will get horse owners talking about the disease
and encourage yards to have a protocol in place to stop the spread and deal with it
effectively if the worst does happen.
Part One
KNOW STRANGLES
Page 3
About Redwings
Part Two
SPOT STRANGLES
Page 4
Part Three
PREPARE FOR STRANGLES
Page 6
Part Four
PREVENT STRANGLES
Page 9
Redwings Horse Sanctuary was established in 1984 and works across
the UK to provide and promote the welfare, care and protection of
horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Its work has three main themes
– rescue and rehabilitation, specialist sanctuary care and prevention
through education.
Redwings currently cares for more than 1,200 horses, ponies
and donkeys that no longer have a working life but retain
a quality of life. Those with the potential for a working life
are re-homed through the charity’s Guardianship scheme
and currently around 500 horses and ponies are enjoying
active lives in Guardian homes across the East of England.
Part Five
IF IT HAPPENS…
Page 12
Part Six
AFTER RECOVERY…
Page 14
What is Strangles?
Strangles is the most commonly diagnosed equine
infectious disease in the world. It is a highly contagious
infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat).
It can cause large abscesses, prevent swallowing and
restrict breathing.
Like many diseases, prevention is better than cure.
Strangles is both painful and distressing for the horse.
Infected horses are at risk of serious complications,
including death.
Why should I be concerned?
Strangles outbreaks are on the rise. This could be
due to the increasing movement of horses around
the country – in particular horses of lower value that
often end up at market. Markets and sales are great
harbouring grounds for the disease.
Not only is it painful and distressing for sufferers,
a large outbreak at a livery yard can cause serious
financial loss.
Although many of the horses rescued by Redwings are
suffering with Strangles, it is not always associated
with poor welfare standards. It can happen to anyone
– even the most responsible owner – simply through a
stroke of bad luck. This is why it is vital to be prepared.
Should I keep quiet if my horse
shows signs of Strangles?
No! Although it’s highly irresponsible, many owners do
keep quiet if their horse catches Strangles. Because of
its contagious nature, Strangles has a very unhelpful
stigma attached to it. Owners may feel that they will
be ostracized by others on their yard if they speak out.
This hinders a quick diagnosis as well as the effective
control of the spread of the disease.
A responsible owner will speak out about the disease,
and a responsible yard manager will have a protocol in
place to deal with it.
Our aim is to give you the information and tools you
need to protect your horse and others on your yard.
The key to success is preparation, prompt action,
and a co-ordinated effort from everyone involved.
This pack includes:
• How to spot Strangles
• How to prepare for an outbreak
• How to prevent an outbreak
• What to do during an outbreak
• What to do after an outbreak
Reading this information could not only save your horse
and others from a serious and potentially fatal disease,
but it could also save you a considerable amount of
time and money.
Redwings relies entirely on public
donations and receives no government
funding. To learn more,
telephone 0870 040 0033
or visit www.redwings.co.uk.
It could happen to you
Redwings guide to Strangles. Page 2
Redwings guide to Strangles. Page 3