Despite the focus on equine flu outbreaks, as the highly infectious disease continues to be reported around the UK, strangles cases are also rising significantly, with 260 cases formally diagnosed within the first five months of the year, which has surpassed the total number diagnosed in the whole of 2023.
Using data from the Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES), Dechra has calculated that if strangles continues to be diagnosed in line with the current rates (an average of 52 diagnoses per month) then it is predicted that there will 600 cases of strangles formally diagnosed during 2026, a rise of nearly a quarter year on year.
Both infectious diseases require good biosecurity and preventative measures and the collaborators behind the annual strangles campaign (Strangles Awareness Week) have put in place specific best procedures to help prevent and manage strangles outbreaks, including:
- Boost immunity with strangles vaccination;
- Engage with trusted information;
- Separate unfamiliar horses; and
- Temperature check routinely.
The strangles vaccine, Strangvac, protects up to 94% of horses from the disease and new studies have also highlighted the benefits of vaccination with Strangvac in the face of a strangles outbreak.
Dr Abigail McGlennon from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) group, said: “While flu and strangles data are reported differently to reflect their distinct epidemiology (with flu reported as outbreaks and strangles as laboratory diagnoses) both surveillance systems offer invaluable insights into UK equine health.
Dr Mary Battersby, veterinary surgeon and equine veterinary advisor at Dechra, the company behind the Strangvac vaccine, added: “Equine flu and strangles are infectious diseases which spread rapidly and can bring the equine community to a standstill.
“Good biosecurity and preventative measures are essential to help tackle both diseases, particularly in light of owners traditionally being ‘out and about’ more with their horses over the summer.”
For information on strangles vaccination, click here.
