Strangles should prompt vaccination now

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Strangles should prompt vaccination now.

The recent strangles outbreak in Canterbury has an equine vet urging horse owners not to turn a blind eye to their horses’ welfare.

Reports from Gribbles Veterinary laboratories have confirmed three separate incidences of the disease on properties spread from south to north Canterbury.

Another possible outbreak in Oamaru has also been recently reported.

The last time strangles struck in Canterbury was in 2009, resulting in an unprecedented surge in demand for vaccinations.

Strangles is a highly infectious bacterial disease that presents with horses off their feed, high fever, runny nose and then swollen hot painful lymph nodes around the jaw that burst and drain pus.

Bacteria can be shed from these discharges for two to four weeks, but sometimes much longer. While most affected horses recover, complications and even death can result.

It is a particularly problematic disease because affected horses can recover and appear healthy but continue shedding the bacteria, putting other horses at risk.

Mountainview Equine veterinarian Glenn Beeman said he was concerned this time around horse owners were taking an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to the disease.

“But this latest round of infections provides horse owners with a stark reminder this disease is not going away, and that the South Island is not immune to it.”

Glenn said the mobility of horses matched the mobility of their owners these days, often travelling great distances to attend shows, events and studs, making transmission faster, further and putting more horses at risk.

While the 2009 outbreak had been more concentrated in the racing community, the latest outbreak included a pony stud.

“This hits close to home at the beginning of the show and eventing season, and with families who may be buying ponies over the summer, they can all be affected by the disease this time.”

Zoetis NZ, manufacturers of Equivac™ S and Equivac 2 in 1 vaccines has reassured vets and horse owners that supplies are plentiful for both products.

Company trials show vaccinations had a high and proven rate of efficacy, typically delivering protection within a month after the initial shot and two subsequent booster shots are completed.

“There is also of course the benefits of treating two diseases at once with a 2 in1, with all horses at risk of tetanus; a disease you really do not want your horse to get.”

While tying a horse up at events and avoiding contact with others may help avoid direct infection, indirect infection was still a possibility through people, gear and transport vehicles. Good hygiene practices are therefore very important.

“Owners sending horses for breeding or participating in the show and event season can use vaccinations as another safeguard to keeping their horses well.”

ENDS.

Four steps to reduce Strangles risk.

- Vaccinate – it’s effective insurance for anyone who transports horses and has horses in contact with other horses, and will give peace of mind.

- Use your own gear when away from home - taking buckets, water and feed, and not sharing buckets.

- Practice good hygiene – wash hands between handling different horses, disinfect boots and clothing after each show or event.

- Quarantine new horses – monitor for signs of strangles and maintain for 3 weeks.

ENDS.

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