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Thoroughbred owners are being warned to stay vigilant and follow biosecurity protocols after the highly contagious bacterial disease strangles was detected on 12 properties in Waikato and Auckland.
The disease has been confirmed on 11 Waikato properties and one in Auckland, with the Auckland case directly linked to the Waikato outbreak. The affected young horses are being kept in isolation.
Early detection and strict biosecurity measures, including isolation and temperature monitoring, are critical to limiting the spread, said New Zealand Veterinary Association head of veterinary services Holly Blue.
Affected and suspected properties are being monitored, with veterinarians working alongside the racing industry so events can continue safely.
“At this stage, the outbreak remains confined to the thoroughbred population and is largely restricted to one regional area,” Blue told Farmer’s Weekly.
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi that affects the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes of horses. It is characterised by high fever, thick nasal discharge and painful abscesses around the throat and jaw, which can rupture.
While it is not a notifiable disease, strangles can spread rapidly and cause severe illness. A prolonged outbreak could have an impact on horse welfare and the wider industry through increased costs and potential disruption to international movement.
“Strangles spreads through direct contact with infected horses, or personnel and even domestic pets that have been in contact with them, as well as contaminated equipment, clothing, footwear and hands, and infected nasal and oral secretions,” Blue said.
“It’s critical that horse owners monitor for early signs of the disease, including fever, loss of appetite, depression or dullness, coughing, thick nasal discharge and swollen glands.
“Ultimately, a thermometer is your best friend right now. If you notice a fever especially after movement, travel or contact with unfamiliar horses, treat it as strangles until proven otherwise.
“Isolate the horse immediately and contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and advice.”
Strangles is endemic in New Zealand’s horse population, with silent carriers believed to account for about 10 percent of infected horses. That means the disease can occasionally re-emerge, although this latest outbreak is considered the worst in recent years.
“Disinfect all equipment and clothing after contact with infected or suspected cases. To help prevent the disease, regularly disinfect equipment and wash hands thoroughly after handling horses.
“Horse owners should also talk to their veterinarian about vaccination, which can help reduce the severity of disease.”
Blue said treatment generally involved nursing care, good nutrition and hydration.
“With these measures, most horses recover and antibiotics are not generally required, except in very rare cases and only with veterinary advice.”
In a statement on its website, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing said it has introduced additional health requirements for all horses accepted to race or trial.
These new requirements include directives for temperature monitoring, health declarations and, where applicable, serum amyloid A (SAA) testing for horses accepted to race or trial.
The requirements were developed in consultation with industry veterinarians and are intended to be practical, proportionate and evidence-based, providing appropriate safeguards while supporting the continued operation of racing and trialling, it said.
“As the governing body for thoroughbred racing in New Zealand, NZTR considers it necessary to implement these additional precautions given the seriousness of strangles and the potential consequences an outbreak could have for racing, breeding, sales and exports.”
The new requirements will remain in place until further notice.
Immediate actions Licensed Trainers need to take in regards to Strangles concerns:
1. Take the temperature of every horse accepted to race or trial twice daily, every day, in the morning & evening, starting from today (7 July)
2. If you are based in the greater Waikato region, ensure any accepted runner has undergone a Serum Amyloid A (SAA) Test, which has provided a negative result
3. Record all temperature readings, SAA test results (where required) and the health declaration on the NZTR Strangles Temperature Monitoring and Health Declaration Form.
4. In order for a horse to be able to race or trial, they must have had 5 straight days, plus race morning, of acceptable temperature readings (time allowance for this week only)
5. Be prepared to present this signed document upon request by a Steward at any race or trial meeting for any horse that is engaged that day
6. Failure to present this document, signed and filled out correctly, will result in the immediate scratching of your engaged runner.
Dr Paul Fraser talks about the equine disease, Strangles, including how to test for it, manage it and treat it.
