Alerts
8/12/2009 - Strangles Reminder from NSW DPI
BRIEF:
NSW DPI has advised of a number of recent outbreaks of strangles on horse properties. Advice from NSW is as follows:
Strangles - take care when introducing new horses to your property
In the last few weeks there have been several cases of strangles on horse properties in NSW have occurred after a new horse arrived on the property.
A horse can appear normal, but be incubating the disease or be a source of infection. Horses can incubate strangles infection for 3 to 8 days before appearing sick. A horse that has had strangles can remain infectious for at least 4 weeks after they recover; some may remain infectious for up to 8 months. For this reason it is important to keep new horses isolated from other horses on your property for at least 2 weeks and check them daily for signs of ill-health. It is a good idea to ask the person who last cared for the horse whether the horse has been sick in the last few months, or if it has been in contact with sick horses, and get as many details as you can.
If your horse develops a fever, snotty nose or swellings under the jaw consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Remember, strangles is a notifiable disease in NSW. Further information on strangles, how to prevent it, and how to report it is available at:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/strangles
LINK:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/strangles