Strangles outbreak contained but infection is still possible
HORSES can be infected with strangles bacteria months after an outbreak, the States vet has warned, as he urged local yard owners to follow enhanced bio-security practices.
A private yard locked down its stables voluntarily earlier this month after it was confirmed that two of its ponies had been infected with strangles.
A pony, which had been imported from the UK, developed a runny nose characteristic of a mild upper respiratory tract infection shortly after its arrival.
Three weeks later a second pony at the same yard contracted 'similar but more extreme symptoms'.
States veterinary officer David Chamberlain said the three horses that had travelled over with the pony on 3 March had shown no signs of infection to date.
'Given the long period of time that has passed, it is unlikely that the three "in contact" horses have contracted strangles because they have not displayed classic symptoms,' he said.
'Two horses imported into one yard have had their temperatures taken regularly and they have been found to be normal on each occasion.
'The third horse on another yard is understood to have had precautionary blood samples taken by their private veterinary practitioner and the results have come back negative.
'The results of this blood sample give an accurate indication that the outbreak has been contained.'
