THE Mare and Foal Sanctuary has recently confirmed cases of the equine respiratory disease ‘Strangles’ at its private yard Upcott Park, in Cookbury, near Holsworthy, writes Zoë Uglow.

There has also been a confirmed case at their rehabilitation centre, Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot.

Strangles is the most commonly diagnosed equine infectious disease in the world and can affect any horse and any owner.

Head of equine at the sanctuary, Sally Burton, said: “As a reputable welfare charity we have a responsibility to be transparent and accountable regarding our quarantine measures, and to lead by example in educating others with regard to disease containment and control. We encourage anyone affected to speak out about Strangles.”

An outbreak of any disease can have a huge impact on an organisation like the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.

The correct procedure for dealing with a disease such as Strangles is to shut down a yard and ensure now animals are moved from the site until the ‘all clear’ has been given.

Sally said: “If there is a disease or suspected disease on any of our yards we immediately close the affected yard and cease all horse movements in and out of the yard. We will always do this as a precaution and to limit the spread of disease. It does mean that we cannot rehome horses from an affected yard, nor can we admit any new rescues so it really does impact our ability to operate as normal.”

She added: “It’s disappointing to hear a diagnosis of Strangles but our horse care teams have up-to-date knowledge of biosecurity measures as well as the experience to deal with any outbreak, ensuring the best of care for affected horses as well as safeguarding unaffected ones.”

Strangles is a bacterial disease that affects a horse upper respiratory tract, which leads to the lungs. Sally explained that some of the clinical signs are very distinctive. Horse owners should look out for coughing, thick, yellow bilateral nasal discharge and abscesses forming around the throat and under the jaw.

More subtle symptoms can appear first, which, if detected, can enable earlier diagnosis. These include elevated temperatire and associated dull demeanour, often showing as inappetance.

Sally said: “Owners may notice their horse being disinterested and generally ‘off colour’ before any obvious signs are visible. If the disease is spotted early and good practice is followed, the spread of disease can often be limited.”

If an owner suspects their horse may have contracted Strangles, or any other disease, then the advice form the sanctuary is to keep that animal isolated from others to prevent further spread. It is also imperative that a veterinary surgeon is called in as soon as possible to examine and inspect the horse — they are also able to provide biosecurity tips and advice to owners.

Sally said: “The role of your veterinary surgeon during a disease outbreak is extremely important as they will be able to advise on biosecurity as well as diagnose disease and prescribe any relevant treatment.

“All owners should be aware of basic biosecurity measures and reputable yards should have a procedure in place for new arrivals. New horses should be kept separately for a minimum of two weeks and monitored for signs of disease before joining the resident herd.

“These horses should have their own equipment such as grooming kit, buckets and mucking out tools. People caring for horses in quarantine should wear overalls and disposable gloves and use disinfectant footbaths on entering and leaving the quarantine area.”

When taking a horse off-site, for example to a show or event, Sally says it is possible to minimise the risks of a horse catching a disease by taking personal equipment such as buckets and tools that are not to be shared with other horses. Sally said ‘don’t allow your horse direct nose-to-nose contact with horses from other yards and don’t graze communal areas or use shared water troughs’ because these are some of the most common ways in which disease is spread.

Sally explained that there isn’t any specific treatments available for the disease. She said: “It will affect some horses more than others with the very young and very old, or those with existing respiratory problems, more at risk of complications. Generally horses are sick-nursed and may be prescribed pain relief by a veterinary surgeon if necessary. Abscesses can be sore and take a while to burst so hot-poulticing can help with this. Specific treatment comes later when we want to ensure the horse is disease-free and not a carrier.”

Due to having Strangles at Upcott Park, and the rehabilitation centre, there will be no horses arriving or leaving the two sites until sanctuary vets have confirmed disease-free status. However, all their other sites remain unaffected.

For information, help and advice regarding concerns of prevention and containment of diseases and quarantine measures call Honeysuckle Farm on 01626 355969. There is also advice on the Redwings website www.redwings.org.uk/news-and-views/speak-out-strangles