longtalltilly
Well-Known Member
Just heard that there are also yards near to Framlingham and Outskirts of Ipswich being tested. Orwell arena being one that was mentioned hence the cancellation of their show tomorrow.
strangles in Suffolk
- Thread starter maisie2011
- Start date
SonnysHumanSlave
Well-Known Member
I was wondering which yard outside ipswich it was. :/
SonnysHumanSlave
Well-Known Member
Orwell arena is NOT being tested.
I spoke to the owner myself last night online, she has cancelled shows as protection for her broodmare who is infoal, so that no carriers bring it to the yard.
longtalltilly
Well-Known Member
Ah ok, the person I spoke to mentioned poplar although he didn't say they actually had it. Glad they are taking the precaution though.
Staverton
Member
As its the 'weekend' I'm surprised that poplar_helper hasn't updated us with all the latest information!
The word locally is that there are now about 12 animals at Poplar showing signs.
The word locally is that there are now about 12 animals at Poplar showing signs.
saddle sore
New User
re staverton
five days without poplar helper EYES to feed us reliable information ! worrying times .Sadly in general conversations within the horse community there hasnt been one person who has been at all surprised by the mismanagement of this outbreak.
five days without poplar helper EYES to feed us reliable information ! worrying times .Sadly in general conversations within the horse community there hasnt been one person who has been at all surprised by the mismanagement of this outbreak.
little_legs
Well-Known Member
Jump4Joy
Member
At the end of the day Poplar Park have been caught out trying to hide up.
Not only have they hosted events on their premises, but they have been open for lessons and hacks, etc. all through this time, giving lessons to people who will go off to see their friends' horses or horses that they share or loan and it will be spread everywhere.
It is virtually impossible to keep this illness contained if its on a yard. It only takes the slightest touch onto clothing or whatever and its out there.
Poplar Park have been playing russian roulette with the health of every horse in the area.
Poplar Park have been greedy in the extreme - not wanting to damage their precious business.
If it hadn't have been for the vets letting the cat out of the bag - we would all still be in the dark.
Not only have they hosted events on their premises, but they have been open for lessons and hacks, etc. all through this time, giving lessons to people who will go off to see their friends' horses or horses that they share or loan and it will be spread everywhere.
It is virtually impossible to keep this illness contained if its on a yard. It only takes the slightest touch onto clothing or whatever and its out there.
Poplar Park have been playing russian roulette with the health of every horse in the area.
Poplar Park have been greedy in the extreme - not wanting to damage their precious business.
If it hadn't have been for the vets letting the cat out of the bag - we would all still be in the dark.
BILLYGIRL
New User
Jump4Joy
Member
I thought I knew the layout of Poplar Park quite well and can't think of anywhere suitable to be used for "isolation". I would be interested to know where the infected horses are being kept "away".
Surely not just moved "round the back" to the little yard that Debbie Edmundson used to use before the self contained block was built at the other end of the outdoor school????? (Years ago - Ive not been to PP for several years) If so, this is certainly not "isolation" - merely "out of sight". And about 50 metres away from the main yard.
And how many "spectators" for the Trials in March went onto the Main Yard to either pat some horses, or use the loo??????
No doubt they are still giving lessons/hacks today. I am sure they dont want to be turning business away.
Poplar Park's entire handling of this has been dreadful and devious.
Surely not just moved "round the back" to the little yard that Debbie Edmundson used to use before the self contained block was built at the other end of the outdoor school????? (Years ago - Ive not been to PP for several years) If so, this is certainly not "isolation" - merely "out of sight". And about 50 metres away from the main yard.
And how many "spectators" for the Trials in March went onto the Main Yard to either pat some horses, or use the loo??????
No doubt they are still giving lessons/hacks today. I am sure they dont want to be turning business away.
Poplar Park's entire handling of this has been dreadful and devious.
Staverton
Member
The vets did not let the cat out of the bag! They are unable to say anything due to customer confidentiality.
The local horse community became aware when the livery horse was tested positive, BEFORE the weekend event, The vets had not been called to the Poplar horses until after the event even though it was apparent that several of the Poplar horses were sick and had been for some time. They were aware of the positive test on the livery horse and they still held the event!!
The only person to come out this fiasco with any credit is the livery owner who called the vet to his/her horse despite being told by P.P. that there was not a problem. If that person had not called the vet and got a definate diagnosis then P.P. would probably still be hiding the outbreak!!!!!
When the vets issued their statement the facts were so widely known, locally, there was no point in trying to hide the facts.
P.Park., in my opinion, have shown a complete lack of care for all the animals on their yard and have allowed animals to suffer unnecessarily.
The local horse community became aware when the livery horse was tested positive, BEFORE the weekend event, The vets had not been called to the Poplar horses until after the event even though it was apparent that several of the Poplar horses were sick and had been for some time. They were aware of the positive test on the livery horse and they still held the event!!
The only person to come out this fiasco with any credit is the livery owner who called the vet to his/her horse despite being told by P.P. that there was not a problem. If that person had not called the vet and got a definate diagnosis then P.P. would probably still be hiding the outbreak!!!!!
When the vets issued their statement the facts were so widely known, locally, there was no point in trying to hide the facts.
P.Park., in my opinion, have shown a complete lack of care for all the animals on their yard and have allowed animals to suffer unnecessarily.
SonnysHumanSlave
Well-Known Member
Yes totally agree Staverton!!
PP on went on lock down over the weekend, so not even on the tuesday when they are saying they received a confirmed case did it all stop.
PP on went on lock down over the weekend, so not even on the tuesday when they are saying they received a confirmed case did it all stop.
maisie2011
Well-Known Member
Ryder-Davies are going to hold a strangles question & answer session on 1st May http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryder-Davies-and-Partners-Veterinary-Surgeons-Equine-Page/128308283905884 - I wonder if it is wise to get a load of horsey people in one room, who may unwittingly wear their horsey gear and spread the disease?
Jump4Joy
Member
Well, as far as I am concerned I was totally unaware of any problem until I saw the post from Ryder Davies on Facebook.
As far as I am aware Poplar Park had not made any statements or posted any such notices.
Had they made all other livery yards, stables or riding schools in the area aware - no.
Frankly, I am surprised DEFRA are not concerned about the way they have behaved.
As far as I am aware Poplar Park had not made any statements or posted any such notices.
Had they made all other livery yards, stables or riding schools in the area aware - no.
Frankly, I am surprised DEFRA are not concerned about the way they have behaved.
Staverton
Member
I have a question for Ryder Davies:
When strangles was diagnosed in the livery horse what attempts were made to try and contain the outbreak?
When strangles was diagnosed in the livery horse what attempts were made to try and contain the outbreak?
whateveryousay
New User
Couldn't agree more with what you said earlier Staverton and I can't imagine the livery owner is very popular right now!
With what I am told - so may not be 100% accurate - PP were spoken to by Ryder Davies the day the test was done as well as the day the results were confirmed, and were on site the next day. However as this is not a notifable disease they can only insist actions are taken to a certain extent. Whether PP follow them entirely is up to them I think.
With what I am told - so may not be 100% accurate - PP were spoken to by Ryder Davies the day the test was done as well as the day the results were confirmed, and were on site the next day. However as this is not a notifable disease they can only insist actions are taken to a certain extent. Whether PP follow them entirely is up to them I think.
mulledwhine
Well-Known Member
I have been told today, that it is swinderby, near Lincoln, a bit too close for comfort 
teazle
Well-Known Member
It amazes me how much hysteria occurs when the word Strangles is mentioned.
Having been on a large yard where we had a strangles outbreak many years ago (a livery horse picked it up at a show and brought it home) - by the time it was discovered, there was nothing anyone could do, the horses were out in herds and so had passed it around themselves before the first cough started.
Of the twenty or so horses who were positive - 1 got an abscess. The others had the cough, runny nose and felt a bit down for a few days. Think how many colds and infections humans get every year, and we aren't put into quarantine with foot baths etc. They are all spread in exactly the same way as strangles is, through contact.
Our vet told us he thought strangles should be allowed to run its course and therefore provide immunity for the rest of the horses life - most fatal cases are in horses that are elderly or immuno-suppressed. As in chicken pox in humans, if horses had strangles when they were young, they would get over it and be fine, and have immunity.
I know I am going to get soooooooooo many haters over this post, but that's my opinion. If my horse was to contract strangles, I'd care for her and feel sorry for her, but I wouldn't go overboard and panic.
IF Poplar covered up (and I am someone in Suffolk, though not in East Suffolk so could be affected) then they shouldn't have done, but everyone needs to calm down. The vets (and now Poplar) are doing everything as they should, and a witch hunt isn't going to achieve anything.
Having been on a large yard where we had a strangles outbreak many years ago (a livery horse picked it up at a show and brought it home) - by the time it was discovered, there was nothing anyone could do, the horses were out in herds and so had passed it around themselves before the first cough started.
Of the twenty or so horses who were positive - 1 got an abscess. The others had the cough, runny nose and felt a bit down for a few days. Think how many colds and infections humans get every year, and we aren't put into quarantine with foot baths etc. They are all spread in exactly the same way as strangles is, through contact.
Our vet told us he thought strangles should be allowed to run its course and therefore provide immunity for the rest of the horses life - most fatal cases are in horses that are elderly or immuno-suppressed. As in chicken pox in humans, if horses had strangles when they were young, they would get over it and be fine, and have immunity.
I know I am going to get soooooooooo many haters over this post, but that's my opinion. If my horse was to contract strangles, I'd care for her and feel sorry for her, but I wouldn't go overboard and panic.
IF Poplar covered up (and I am someone in Suffolk, though not in East Suffolk so could be affected) then they shouldn't have done, but everyone needs to calm down. The vets (and now Poplar) are doing everything as they should, and a witch hunt isn't going to achieve anything.
Laafet
Well-Known Member
Well I think that it spoke volumes that the Jays cancelled their event on the weekend just gone because of the risk. Knowing that they would not cancel for any little reason they obviously thought it was not worth the risk, despite the loss in revenue. And Teazle Strangles will cause hysteria in this area, I work on a stud and am currently foaling mares, therefore if the livery yard where I keep my horse has strangles I am bound by my contract of employment NOT to attend to my horse. Hence my worry over it all.
teazle
Well-Known Member
The jays cancelled over the weekend but are still running dressage tomorrow. Obviously not THAT worried then. See the 'press release' on their website - they are still holding events.
Laafet
Well-Known Member
They cancelled as a high number of the entries had also run at Poplar - so yes they were worried. They ARE worried and took a good call IMO. I would expect the dressage tomorrow was lower risk! I read the press release thankyou.
saddle sore
New User
re teazle,
many of us are well versed with strangles. If well managed the problem can be overcome with minimal suffering of horses and complete recovery. The hysteria here locally, I respectfully suggest, has less to do with the strangles but more to do with the appalling handling of the situation by pp. Our business's may well be affected ,event cancellations, movement of horses etc. through the incompetence of,what appears to be a total lack of animal husbandry and any thought for any other horse owners. What can be learnt, and what can done ??? not much unfortunately,but with all the official hoops we all have to jump through there must be some way of educating the ignorent. Do the local council inspect for animal health ?
many of us are well versed with strangles. If well managed the problem can be overcome with minimal suffering of horses and complete recovery. The hysteria here locally, I respectfully suggest, has less to do with the strangles but more to do with the appalling handling of the situation by pp. Our business's may well be affected ,event cancellations, movement of horses etc. through the incompetence of,what appears to be a total lack of animal husbandry and any thought for any other horse owners. What can be learnt, and what can done ??? not much unfortunately,but with all the official hoops we all have to jump through there must be some way of educating the ignorent. Do the local council inspect for animal health ?
whateveryousay
New User
teazle - you were lucky that the horses you saw with strangles got away so lightly. It is hearbreaking if you have to see those that don't.
and while I agree that in a properly managed situation there is very little that can be done, the angst in the local community is more that there was no management of the situation and it would have gone on with greater consequences if PP not had their hand foreced on this.
no-one will ever criticise a yard that contracts this and does everything to contain it and treats their horses (and the local community) with the care and respect they deserve.
and while I agree that in a properly managed situation there is very little that can be done, the angst in the local community is more that there was no management of the situation and it would have gone on with greater consequences if PP not had their hand foreced on this.
no-one will ever criticise a yard that contracts this and does everything to contain it and treats their horses (and the local community) with the care and respect they deserve.
teazle
Well-Known Member
I'd be very interested to see written, or reliable, proof that Poplar acted negligently. Note, I am not saying they didn't, but as far as I can see, there are rumours and chinese whispers floating around. I've heard differing reports as to when the outbreak was discovered, how many horses have symptoms, how many are actually confirmed, etc.
There appears to be very little actual FACTS, other than the statement put out by the vets. If there is anything more than 'I heard this from such and such', or 'my friend said this', I will gracefully agree that more should have been done.
There appears to be very little actual FACTS, other than the statement put out by the vets. If there is anything more than 'I heard this from such and such', or 'my friend said this', I will gracefully agree that more should have been done.
daydreambeliever
Well-Known Member
I was under the impression that the event that the jays cancelled was an inter-schools qualifier and people were withdrawing and this would mean that there could have been unfair qualifications. I think other open events have still gone ahead.
Lets hope that the out break is now contained and at least we know now to avoid any unnecessary traveling with our horses in the area and to be vigilant for any possible signs of this illness. Fingers crossed that the sick horses make a swift recovery and no further cases are diagnosed.
Lets hope that the out break is now contained and at least we know now to avoid any unnecessary traveling with our horses in the area and to be vigilant for any possible signs of this illness. Fingers crossed that the sick horses make a swift recovery and no further cases are diagnosed.
mrussell
Well-Known Member
The weekend event at the Jays was cancelled because a high number of entries had competed at the ODE at Poplar the preceeding week. It was done out of respect for all competitors and to prevent the possible spread of the disease. It was not done because of the number of entries that were withdrawing.
The dressage on the Monday evening was cancelled due to a lack of entries.
Here is the press release posted on the Jays website. I think they acted swiftly and professionally. I just wish PP had done the same.
PRESS RELEASE DATED 20TH APRIL 2012
STRANGLES AT POPLAR PARK
We are aware of the outbreak of strangles at Poplar Park.
We have sought veterinary advice and can confirm that the risk of contamination is low.
In view of the above, we will continue to hold events at The Jays for the time being.
However if your horse has competed at Poplar Park or come into contact with a horse that has competed at Poplar Park within the last 14 days, we request that you do not attend any events at The Jays until the 14 day incubation period has passed and your horse is showing no signs of infection.
We also advise all competitors to be vigilant whilst attending events.
Do not let your horse or persons make any physical contact with another horse,
Do not let your horse chew - come into contact with any fencing.
Do not let your horse graze whilst at an event.
Bring your own water and water containers and do not share these.
The dressage on the Monday evening was cancelled due to a lack of entries.
Here is the press release posted on the Jays website. I think they acted swiftly and professionally. I just wish PP had done the same.
PRESS RELEASE DATED 20TH APRIL 2012
STRANGLES AT POPLAR PARK
We are aware of the outbreak of strangles at Poplar Park.
We have sought veterinary advice and can confirm that the risk of contamination is low.
In view of the above, we will continue to hold events at The Jays for the time being.
However if your horse has competed at Poplar Park or come into contact with a horse that has competed at Poplar Park within the last 14 days, we request that you do not attend any events at The Jays until the 14 day incubation period has passed and your horse is showing no signs of infection.
We also advise all competitors to be vigilant whilst attending events.
Do not let your horse or persons make any physical contact with another horse,
Do not let your horse chew - come into contact with any fencing.
Do not let your horse graze whilst at an event.
Bring your own water and water containers and do not share these.
mrussell
Well-Known Member
From my perspective the fault lies at the feet of the PP themselves. I was one of the people who rang them IMMEDIATELY upon hearing that there may be a risk to my horse and to those on my yard. I was told a version of events which then differed from those given to me by the vets ( at SRD). The fact that PP continued to give different versions of events to other callers is neither here nor there.
Its not the chinese whispers. Its not the rumours. I dont give 2 figs who is saying what. I went to the horses mouth and they lied. THATS whats wrong.
stacey_lou
Well-Known Member
This is exactly what I have said since, you took the words right out of my mouth
blackislegirl
Well-Known Member
Interesting to see the statement from The Jays. As far as I can see Topthorn have cancelled nothing and said nothing...and they are rather closer to Poplar Park. I had been thinking of heading there this weekend but I am now thinking again.
stacey_lou
Well-Known Member
I thought that I am at Topthorn this Sunday did think about giving them a call but they clearly think everything will be ok x