Irish Equine Strangles Survey

A fourth year veterinary medicine student in University College Dublin is undertaking a World Horse Welfare funded investigation into the prevalence of Strangles in horses and ponies in Ireland.

Strangles is an infamous disease in the horse community; it causes severe clinical signs and is easily passed from horse to horse. However, critically it cannot survive outside of the horse for very long so it persists in horses that remain infected after clinical signs have cleared up. It is important to identify these inapparent (sub-clinical) carriers of the disease in order to prevent its spread. The project aims to examine the level of sub-clinical Strangles (possible carrier horses) in populations of Irish horses.

The test to be used is a quick and simple one - a single blood sample and a short history of the animal is all that is required. A positive result means that the horse has either been exposed to Strangles within a short time previously or is a sub-clinical carrier of the disease. Positive horses could infect other horses.

The sampling procedure is completely anonymous, but if owners wish to receive results free of charge that can be arranged. In addition, an information talk about Strangles (how to identify, treat and prevent it) can be organized for anyone who is interested.

Participation in this study would be greatly appreciated and very beneficial for the equine community as a whole in Ireland. If you would like any further information or if you would like to take part in this survey you can contact Eithne Mac Carthy by email here

Irish Equine Strangles Survey

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