10/08/2026
🐴 A little Strangles talk from last night’s Client Night…
One topic we discussed with several clients was Strangles—and what we can all do to lower the risk of spreading it.
Strangles is highly contagious, and one of the tricky parts is that a horse can potentially carry and spread Strep. equi without showing obvious signs of illness. That’s why good biosecurity matters — not just during an outbreak, but every day.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
🌡️ Own a thermometer.
Take your horse’s temperature regularly and know what their normal baseline is. A sudden fever can be one of the first clues that something isn't right — especially after traveling, showing, or exposure to unfamiliar horses.
👀 Know what to watch for.
Fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes/throatlatch are common signs of Strangles, although a horse may not show all of them.
💉 Vaccinate appropriately
Talk with your veterinarian about whether Strangles vaccination is appropriate for your horse and your horse’s risk level.
🧼 Don’t share equipment.
Buckets, brushes, pitchforks, rakes, and other equipment can all become ways for bacteria to move from horse to horse.
🚪 Quarantine new arrivals.
Giving a new horse time away from the resident herd can help prevent bringing an illness into your barn.
🚛 Think about biosecurity when you travel.
Avoid shared water buckets and equipment when possible, keep your own area clean, and disinfect your trailer after returning home.
💧 Keep things clean — and dry.
Particularly in areas like wash racks where moisture can linger.
And perhaps most importantly: if your horse develops a fever or other signs of illness, separate them from the herd and call your veterinarian.
Biosecurity doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's the little things we do consistently that make the biggest difference. ❤️
