Strangles in the new forest

[Fraggle2]

Just seen this posted by the new forest verderers, thought I would share it here in case anyone is visiting the area.
The Verderers would like to inform the New Forest equine community that a foal was found on Sunday with strangles. The foal, which ran in the Longdown area, is no longer on the Forest.
All horse riders are advised to take extra care when riding on the forest to avoid coming into close proximity of the ponies and donkeys, particularly in the Ipley, Longdown and Deerleap areas.

 

[J&S]

It is also important not to let your horse or pony graze, or so we used to be told.

 

[meleeka]

I wonder how the foal contracted it? I really hope there isn’t a proper outbreak there.

 

[Sprout]

Really hope we dont get an outbreak, I always give the ponies a wide berth, and dont allow any sneaky snacking or drinking from streams.

 

[sunnyone]

I was told years ago that it's endemic there. Has it ever completely gone away?
Presumably the foal hadn't developed it's immunity system and just "picked it up" poor thing.

 

[ponynutz]

Do we know if foal is okay?

 

[Sealine]

Going back 15 years or so a friend used to buy a lorry load of cheap foals at the autumn sales every year. Without fail, every year they bought strangles with them. Therefore I'd always assumed it was endemic although things may have improved since then.

 

[meleeka]

I was told years ago that it's endemic there. Has it ever completely gone away?
Presumably the foal hadn't developed it's immunity system and just "picked it up" poor thing.

Odd that they’ve announced it if that’s the case.