Streptococcus equi (Strangles)

Strangles is an infectious horse disease characterized by abscessation of the lymphoid tissue of the upper respiratory tract. Streptococcus equi equi, is the bacterium which causes the disease, and is transmitted by direct contact with infected horses or sub-clinical shedders, or indirectly by contact with: water troughs, hoses, feed bunks, pastures, stalls, trailers, tack, grooming equipment, nose wipe cloths or sponges, attendants’ hands and clothing, or insects contaminated with nasal discharge or pus draining from lymph nodes of infected horses.

Contagious: yes

Deadly: Yes If not treated

Prevention: Vaccination

Treatment: Antibiotics

Signs of Strangles:
 * Fever (103°–106°F)
 * Nasal discharge
 * Depression
 * Difficulty swallowing
 * Respiratory noise
 * Extended head and neck
 * Swollen lymph nodes