Strangles - How Likely a Second Time?

[Tierra]

I know most of the ins and outs of strangles... but there seems to be a lot of differening opinions on the likelyhood of catching it again once a horse has had it the first time.

My vet in the UK told me that most develop some degree of immunity to it and even if they do re-contract, it tends to be to a much lesser degree.

Anyone can fill me in a bit on this? We've had several horses at the yard be diagnosed with strangles, one of which was right next door to my boy.

He had strangles in March 2006 and I was hoping it might give him some degree of immunity to it now.

He's not showing any signs at all at present but you know, dont particularly want it a second time (not that theres much we can do at this stage

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Would appreciate any thoughts and thanks in advance

p.s. Yes, he was swabbed after our outbreak in the UK... 3 swabs all negative for him being a carrier (just incase anyone asks

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[samp]

I hate to say this but the swaps are not that accurate, I know of several horses that have had clear swabs and still been poorly. The most accurate method of testing is to have a guttural pouch wash performed with a sample taken and sent for analysis.

 

[Tierra]

Wasnt referring to swabs in regards to him being sick. All the horses on our yard had extensive swabs and analysis taken to ensure they werent carriers as they're were all competition horses. Followed everything to the vet's word and all were clear on them being carriers.

Was just curious as to how long any immunity lasts

 

[Tia]

The figures are that approximately 75% of horses who have previously contracted strangles will develop immunity to it....for many of them this is a life-long immunity. For a smaller proportion, the immunity wears off over the years, but from everything I have read if the horse has ever had it in it's life then any following case will be very mild in the horse.

 

[Tierra]

Thanks Tia,

I was actually going to PM you as I seemed to remember you had some knowledge of it

Hoping that he'll just shrug it off at worse and get away with it at best

Hes been next door to one of the horses who have contracted it (5 year old mare) for about 5 / 6 weeks now and Im kinda hoping that since he still seems fine.. perhaps im going to be lucky.

And since im 99% sure ive had a similar conversation with you before about it, ALL the horses in question that are currently either confirmed cases or suspect cases are on anti-bis which was a big no-no for us in the uk.

 

[Tia]

No probs.

I really don't understand why people still keep using Penicillin G when their horses contract this - this condition has been around long enough now for people (and vets) to understand the complications (and often fatalities) which can arise from using Pen for this.

I would think your boy has a greater chance of NOT contracting it, than contracting it, but time will tell. Don't worry though, your guy is in good physical condition and even if he does get it, he should be able to shrug it off quickly.

 

[Tierra]

Well ive already stated quite clearly that SHOULD he contract it, he won't be having anti-bis

Seen him this afternoon and he's perfectly perky and fine... temperature is ok too.

Hopefully his last bout will keep him clear

Thanks again Tia, much appreciated advice as always