Horses which have had strangles, querie.

[Daisychain]

A friend of mine wants me to break a pony in for her, but about 3 months ago it contracted strangles, it is fine now, but i just wondered is it safe to have it at my premesis? as i wouldnt want to risk my own getting it.

 

[Tiffany]

If nothing else on yard has contracted it since this pony you should be OK but Id ask her vet to be on the safe side.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I'd be very, very careful. Horses can be carriers of strangles I think and it is passed through contact so you could carry the disease to your own horses. As Tiffany said, check carefully with your vet.

 

[Daisychain]

Yes this is what i am worried about...

 

[vicm2509]

I would ask her to get it blood tested, always better to be on the safe side.

 

[scotsmare]

Be careful, get it swabbed or blood tested first - strangles can hang around for a while

 

[CBFan]

A blood test is still likely to show the horse as being positive for strangle as it will still have the anibodies against the bacteria for several months after infection. the only way to tell if he is a 'carrier' is through swabs (of which he'll need 3) or a gutteral wash.. although the swabs are quite inacturate with only a 60-80% accuracy rate. This is because as a carrier he carries the bacteria in his gutteral pouch.. hope this clarifies.

 

[Daisychain]

Thanks for that, i think it just sounds to risky for me to bother with TBH.