Three quarantines for Strangles have been reported in different counties in Florida after horses tested positive for the bacterial infection.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the following counties are experiencing quarantines:
On December 20th, 2018, one premises in Marion County was placed under quarantine after one horse presented with clinical signs of Strangles with a positive PCR test result. Six of the 93 quarantined horses on the property are currently clinical for Strangles.
On December 20th, 2018, one premises in Pinellas County was placed under quarantine after one horses presented with clinical signs of Strangles with a positive culture test result. Two of the 28 quarantined horses on the property are currently clinical for Strangles.
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On December 19th, 2018, one premises in Palm Beach County was placed under quarantine after one horses presented with clinical signs of Strangles with a positive PCR test result. One of the 29 quarantined horses on the property is currently clinical for Strangles.
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.
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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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