Veterinarians in the Okanagan region are advising horse enthusiasts nationwide to take preventive measures as incidents of a contagious disease known as strangles continue to emerge.
Dr. Gail Jewell from Heartland Vet Services in Kelowna, B.C., disclosed that two farms in the Okanagan have confirmed strangles infections, while several other cases are under suspicion. According to Jewell, the disease is highly contagious and thrives in cold weather conditions.
The Equine Disease Communication Centre (EDCC) reported a strangles case involving a horse on the Sunshine Coast on December 3, along with possible exposures to four other horses. The EDCC also noted several active infections in Ontario and one in Alberta.
Jewell suggested that the outbreak in Kelowna might be linked to horses that had traveled from Alberta. Identifying the source of infection is challenging as some horses can carry the bacteria without showing symptoms, becoming what is known as ‘chronic shedders.’
Even after apparent recovery, horses with strangles can still transmit the disease to others. The infection can lead to high fevers, loss of appetite, and abscess formation in the horse’s lymph nodes, potentially resulting in a fatal outcome for susceptible equines.
Connect Veterinary Services, a clinic associated with Jewell, issued an email on January 3 to Okanagan clients regarding the outbreak, advising them to enforce quarantine and biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. Farms with infections were recommended a six-week quarantine, while other barns opted for a voluntary three-week isolation period.
Dr. Janice Posnikoff of Okanagan Equine Veterinary Services acknowledged the seriousness of the bacterial disease, emphasizing the challenges associated with controlling its spread. While vaccines are available, they do not provide complete immunity, and vaccinated horses can still contract and spread the bacteria.
Testing for strangles involves a specific nasal pharyngeal swab technique to ensure accurate sample collection. Failure to adhere to proper testing protocols can yield false results, affecting diagnosis and treatment decisions.
To safeguard their horses, Freedom’s Gate Equine Rescue in Salmon Arm, B.C., has restricted public access and halted new intakes, despite not having any confirmed cases among their horses. Some equine events and shows have been canceled or rescheduled to mitigate disease transmission risks.
The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food stated that no official reports of strangles cases in the Okanagan have been received, as reporting of the disease is not mandatory under provincial regulations. However, the ministry acknowledged the concerns raised within the equestrian community in the region.
