Buying a horse from a yard with strangles??

[Kezza]

A friend is buying a horse from a yard which is known to have had strangles recently, it is a big yard.

The horse she is buying will be vetted this week but would it have to be swabbed to be sure it's clear of it before collecting it and if so over what period of time does this have to be done as I think you have to have more than one done don't you?

She is just trying not to get too excited at the propspect of being able to collect it at the weekend if it passes the vetting as it may have to stay there a while whilst being swabbed ...

 

[tazet]

hi we have had strangles at our yard years ago it was a nightmare. each horse/pony must have 3 swabs at 2 week intervals as the incubation period is 2 weeks this is normally started when the last suspected animal seems clear. this is to check that the animal has not caught it and also that it has not become a carrier. providing there is correct disinfecting procedures and isolation procedures then it should clare up but make sure that if she does buy it that it gets isolated at the new yard for a minimum of 3 weeks to be sure.
ps the new yard must be informed of the situation

 

[Llwyncwn]

There are 30 horses on our yard and we have all had the strep vaccination. The vac reduces the risk of contracting the desease, and if they do get it - it is much milder. Would def recommend for high risk yards.

 

[Tia]

Over here we have a voluntary quarantine period which is 60 days AFTER the last horse's symptoms have cleared up.

Yes she will want to have the horse swabbed - did this horse in particular, have strangles? If it hasn't had it then I would be very wary about taking it onto my yard......could be lying dormant.

 

[Patchwork]

Where is she planning to keep it? TBH I think it is unlikely the horse would be welcome at most livery yards.

 

[tazet]

i agree most livery yards would not want to take the risk thats why your friend should speak to her livery owner first also the vacine works at its best if 95% of the vard all have it done. one swab is not enought as i said earlier on and a good vet will tell you this. how long ago is "recently"

 

[Kezza]

I'm not sure how long ago. She's having it vetted this week and will take vet advice on what to do for the best and also notify the yard she is moving to. She may have to leave him where he is for the 4 weeks whilst he is swabbed. Thanks for all your advice, I have passed this on to her.

 

[samp]

It may be quicker and easier to have the horse scoped. This is the only real definite way of knowing whether the horse has had strangles. We had several horses that came thorugh the vets and had swabs - all negative, however they did have strangles!

 

[Kezza]

what does that involve i.e. how is it done and how long does it take and is it expensive? thanks

 

[GatefieldHorses]

Strangles can lie in a yard for a very very long time and be carried yet you may not see signs for weeks, so be careful.