Horse owners across New South Wales and Victoria are being urged to stay vigilant following confirmed cases of Strangles, a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting equines. With multiple outbreaks recently reported, particularly in the Central Coast region of NSW and various parts of Victoria, now is the time for horse owners, riders, agistment facilities, trainers, and event organisers to take strict preventative measures to protect their animals.
This 1000-word guide explains what Strangles is, how it spreads, the key symptoms to look for, and the essential steps you can take to reduce risk and respond effectively if infection is suspected.
Understanding Strangles
Strangles is a serious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. It mainly affects horses but can also infect donkeys and mules. The bacteria target the lymph nodes of the head and neck, causing swelling, fever, and respiratory issues. While Strangles is rarely fatal, it can cause severe illness, long recovery periods, and major disruptions to stables, events, and equine businesses.
Because the disease spreads so quickly, a single infected horse can cause a large-scale outbreak if biosecurity measures aren’t followed.
How Strangles Spreads
One of the most challenging aspects of Strangles is how easily it can be transmitted. The bacterium spreads through:
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Direct contact with an infected horse
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Shared equipment such as halters, lead ropes, feed buckets, grooming tools, or bits
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Contaminated water troughs or feed bins
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Handlers’ hands, clothing, and footwear
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Transport vehicles and shared float spaces
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Surfaces in stables, wash bays, yards, and tie-up areas
Even horses that appear healthy can carry the bacteria and shed it intermittently, making ongoing hygiene practices essential.
Symptoms to Watch For
Early detection plays a crucial role in limiting spread. According to equine veterinary experts, the most common symptoms include:
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A fever typically between 39.0°C and 40.5°C
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Thick, yellow nasal discharge or persistent runny nose
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A dry or productive cough
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Painful, swollen lymph nodes under or around the jaw
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Difficulty swallowing or breathing in more advanced cases
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Lethargy, depression, or reduced appetite
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Stiffness or discomfort around the throat area
Most horses show signs within three to eight days after exposure, although some may take longer. If you notice any combination of these symptoms, the first step is immediate isolation. Keep the affected horse well away from healthy animals and notify your veterinarian for guidance on testing, monitoring, and treatment.
Why Quick Action Matters
Strangles can sweep through groups of horses rapidly, especially in environments where equipment, paddocks, or grooming spaces are shared. A single oversight, such as using the same bucket for multiple horses or failing to change clothes between properties, can accelerate transmission. Early diagnosis and strict containment help limit the number of horses affected and shorten the overall recovery timeline of a facility.
Recommended Biosecurity Measures
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) stresses the importance of strong biosecurity, particularly during periods where outbreaks are active. Key recommendations include:
Isolation
Separate any sick horse immediately. Ideally, use a paddock or stable far from shared areas and healthy animals.
Do not share equipment
Allocate dedicated feed buckets, grooming tools, and water supplies to each horse. Disinfect regularly using appropriate cleaning agents.
Hand and clothing hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching horses or equipment. Change clothing between handling sick and healthy horses, and wash gear daily.
Footwear management
Use footbaths or disinfectants at entry and exit points. Avoid wearing the same boots across multiple facilities.
Quarantine new arrivals
New horses should ideally be quarantined for at least 14 days before mixing with the main herd. Monitor temperature daily and watch for symptoms.
Transport caution
Floats and trucks should be disinfected after every use, especially if they have carried unfamiliar horses or travelled to event grounds.
Avoid shared water
Do not allow horses to drink from communal troughs when visiting new properties or attending events.
Communication
Inform agistment managers, trainers, or anyone sharing your facilities if Strangles is suspected. Clear communication can prevent silent spread.
Treatment and Management
Most horses recover well with rest, supportive care, and veterinary supervision. Your vet may recommend anti-inflammatories to reduce fever and swelling, along with warm compresses for abscesses. Antibiotics may be used depending on severity, but treatment must be carefully timed to avoid complications.
Once the horse recovers, follow your vet’s advice on how long to continue isolation. Some horses may shed bacteria for weeks after symptoms resolve, so testing may be recommended before reintegration.
Long-Term Considerations
After an outbreak, all surfaces, tools, yards, stables, and gear should undergo thorough cleaning and disinfecting. Bedding should be removed and replaced, and paddocks left vacant if possible to reduce environmental contamination.
It’s also worth reviewing your facility’s biosecurity plan to strengthen weak points. Prevention is always easier, and far less costly, than managing an active outbreak.
Why Vigilance Matters
Australia’s equine community is highly interconnected, with horses frequently moving between clinics, competitions, training facilities, spelling farms, trail networks, and agistment centres. This constant movement creates a perfect environment for infectious diseases to spread quickly, especially those transmitted through close contact, shared equipment, contaminated environments, or insect vectors. When even one horse becomes exposed, the ripple effect through events, transport routes, and neighbouring properties can be significant.
Because of this, vigilance from every owner, trainer, breeder, and event organiser is not just encouraged, it is essential. Early recognition of symptoms, strict isolation protocols for unwell horses, and open communication with veterinarians all play critical roles in preventing an isolated case from escalating into a widespread outbreak. Good stable hygiene, responsible biosecurity practices, and accurate record-keeping are equally important.
A key part of this vigilance is ensuring your horse’s vaccinations are always up to date. The Equivac 2 in 1 Vaccine is one of the most reliable tools available for protecting horses from two of the most serious and disruptive equine diseases: tetanus and strangles. Because these conditions can spread rapidly or cause severe, often life-threatening illness, including this vaccine as part of your horse’s routine, health care is strongly recommended for all equines, whether they travel frequently or stay at home.
By incorporating the Equivac 2 in 1 Vaccination into your annual health programme, you are not only safeguarding your own horse’s wellbeing but also helping to protect the broader equine community. Consistent vaccination dramatically reduces disease risk, supports stronger herd immunity, and limits the chance of outbreaks taking hold. When paired with proactive monitoring and veterinary guidance, vaccination remains one of the most effective, responsible actions owners can take to keep Australia’s horses healthy.
Protecting Your Horses Moving Forward
With confirmed cases of Strangles circulating in NSW and Victoria, now is the time to reinforce hygiene habits, review vaccination options, and reassess quarantine protocols. While outbreaks can be stressful, they also serve as reminders of how important biosecurity is to everyday horse management.
By staying alert, monitoring your horses closely, and acting quickly at the first sign of illness, you can significantly reduce the risk of exposure and help limit the spread across the region. If you have any concerns about your horse’s health or suspect Strangles, contact your veterinarian immediately.
