The number of cases of the bacterial equine infection, strangles, has reached 40 to date in 2017, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with five recent cases reported.
As reported by the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), the latest cases were reported from Manatee, Volusia and Indian River counties. Here are the details:
- On December 4th, 2017 the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed three premises in Manatee County, Florida were placed under quarantine for clinical signs of Strangles. All four horses began showing clinical signs after a trail ride event on November 18th in Citrus County. These are the first 3 cases of Strangles in Manatee County and the 36-38th cases for the state of Florida.
- On December 5th, 2017 the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed one premise in Volusia County, Florida was placed under quarantine for clinical signs and positive PCR confirmation of Strangles. The index case became clinical on December 2nd. All other horses on the premise are free of clinical signs at this time. This is the first case of reported Strangles in Volusia County and the 39th for the state of Florida.
- On December 6th, 2017 the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed one premise in Indian River County was placed under quarantine for clinical signs and positive PCR confirmation of Strangles. The index case became clinical on November 20th after residing at a training facility in Lee County. All other horses at both locations are free of clinical signs. This is the first case of reported Strangles in Indian River County and the 40th for the state of Florida.
The highly contagious upper respiratory disease of equids, known as Strangles, is caused by the gram-positive β-hemolytic bacterium Streptococcus equi ssp. equi.
The organism, Streptococcus equi ssp. equi, can be transmitted via direct contact with nasal or ocular secretions or lymph node discharge from infected horses or via indirect exposure to contaminated trailers, stalls, riding equipment, buckets, halters, lead ropes, brushes, clothing, etc.
The incubation period typically ranges between two and six days but may last up to 14 days.
Classic symptoms may include fever (103 degrees F or higher), mucopurulent nasal discharge, lymphadenopathy (+/- abscessation), general malaise, pharyngitis, dysphagia, upper airway stridor and respiratory distress.
Clinical signs are often age-related, with older horses exhibiting milder symptoms of shorter duration.
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