Selling a horse & strangles...

[Jemayni]

Post in the new lounge has just made me think about this...

My horse has been exposed to strangles recently, but not had it, do I need to inform the new owner, just in case he's carrying it?

 

[dozzie]

If it was you would you want to be informed?

I would. It might cause a bit of worry but if you word it carefully then it could stop anything spreading.

 

[Jemayni]

Yea I suppose your right.... eurgh I hate having to do the responsible thing....

 

[goeslikestink]

your yard should be closed and no movement in or out until cleared by a vet

the horses should be quarantine
and disinfectant protocol in place

all rubber gloves to be worn a foot bath on entry exit
all brushes and equipement to be disinfected
sstables tack room horses boxes etc
and either a change of clothes or overall
grooming kits not to be shared
its a highly contagious desease
and i low strangles ie not bastard strangles will take about 6- 8 weeks before the yard can be opened again

 

[Jemayni]

I didnt say there was stangles on the yard now; this was 8 months ago.

The yard imports horses, viruses are not uncommon and the yard is very responsible in its handling of any virus.

I was just conscious of the fact that horses can carry the virus for a very long time, hence my question.

 

[Tia]

If it was 8 months ago then it is up to you whether you mention it or not - personally I would but I wouldn't think any the less of you if you didn't tell them. To be honest what is there to tell?

 

[Jemayni]

Thanks Tia, I was just casting my mind back to when H&H did there strangles awareness bit and in there it suggested that you should inform any new owners if your had been exposed to strangles; I think I'll mention it, he's moving onto a yard owned by a vet anyway so Im sure they could get him tested easily if there was any real concern...

 

[spaniel]

If its 8 months since the horse was exposed I think it unnecessary to mention it to a potential owner. If you are still concerned and feel 'obliged' to disclose the fact then why not have a swab taken and tested so you can 'prove' the horse isnt a carrier. That should cover any concerns.

 

[dozzie]

8 months is a long time ago. When you first posted I thought it was recently!

I think you need to be really careful how you mention it as it could easily cause a panic with the new yard or your buyers.

Lots of horses are potential carriers and most of their owners probably wouldnt know.

You could ring your vet and ask him/her what they think and whether they think its worth mentioning or not.

 

[Jemayni]

Thanks guys, might not bother after all then..... (note for future be more specific when using the term recently.....)