STRANGLES

Strangles is one of the most important contagious equine diseases worldwide.  Some horses can outwardly show no symptoms yet still carry the disease and spread it to other horses. Currently these carrier horses can be very difficult to identify.  Unfortunately amongst some horse owners there is still a stigma about admitting their horse has strangles, which frequently hinders both quick diagnosis and effective control of the spread of the disease. 

New research is underway with the aim of improving the diagnosis and treatment of strangles, but in the meantime our best weapon is isolation and first class hygiene procedures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Click here for an important update on a MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN BATTLE AGAINST STRANGLES.

The Strangles Strategy Group set up at the end of 2006 is taking a systematic approach to tackling this disease:

• seeking funding for research, including a BHS Scotland initiative to raise £15,000 to provide a research vet with a world class endoscope to carry out guttural pouch investigations to improve diagnosis;
• improved disease surveillance to guage prevalence in Scotland more accurately;
• improved educational resources, including a new voluntary Strangles Code which was launched at the start of Strangles Awareness week on 14 May.  Click here to see a copy of the STEPS Code.

The Strangles Strategy Group consists of representatives from BHS, ILPH, SSPCA, BEVA, SEA, SEBA, SAC, Scottish Racing and the Scottish Veterinary profession, many of whom attended the launch of the STEPS Code as you can see below:

If you would like more information please contact BHS Scotland