New Forest verderers issue warning after outbreak of strangles horse disease
HORSE riders are urged to keep clear of ponies and donkeys in the New Forest after an outbreak of strangles, a highly contagious equine disease.
The verderers confirmed that a foal in Longdown, near Ashurst, was found to have the condition on Sunday and has been taken off the Forest.
Strangles is one of the most common horse diseases, with around 600 outbreaks in the UK each year. It can affect any age, sex or breed of horse but is rarely fatal.
A spokesperson for the verderers said: "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."
The British Horse Society (BHS) said symptoms to look out for include a high temperature above 38.5C, lethargy, loss of appetite, a lowered head and neck, and a persistent cough.
Other typical symptoms include a thick and discoloured nasal discharge, and glandular swelling in the lymph nodes under the jaw.
Horse owners should also be on the lookout for more mild symptoms, such as other nasal discharge or a slight loss of appetite.
Most horses recover from strangles in three to four weeks.
Strangles is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi which can be easily spread directly through horse-to-horse contact and indirectly.
It usually takes three to 14 days after the horse has been in contact with the strangles bacteria for signs to develop
The disease can also be passed on through contaminated horse-riding equipment, handler clothing and boots.
It can also be spread when a horse coughs or snorts.
BHS advice for owners of a horse with strangles is to isolate it immediately and call a vet. Owners of any other horses with which it has been in contact should also be informed.
Yards should monitor horses for signs of infection and inform others in the equine community.
Vets will advise on the best treatment, which will involve nursing the horse with supportive care.
Horse owners are also advised to test new horses coming into their yards for the disease. A vaccine is also available.
