Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infection (strangles) in horses.
- Journal:
- Compendium (Yardley, PA)
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Boyle, Ashley
- Affiliation:
- University of Pennsylvania · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, which affects horses. Horses can catch this infection by breathing in or coming into contact with discharge from an infected horse. Symptoms include fever, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw and in the throat, which can make it hard for them to breathe. It's important to isolate infected horses and maintain good hygiene to control outbreaks, and identifying carrier horses (those that can spread the infection without showing symptoms) is crucial to prevent the disease from coming back on a farm.
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (strangles) is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in horses. The infection is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with mucopurulent discharge from an infective animal, resulting in fever, depression, and submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph node enlargement that can lead to respiratory distress. Complications include purpura hemorrhagica and metastatic abscessation. Control of outbreaks requires strict isolation protocols and hygiene measures. Detection of carriers is essential for preventing disease recurrence on a farm.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21870348/