Agisters and verderers monitoring outbreaks of contagious equine disease strangles, found in Fritham, Longcross, Woodgreen, Godshill, Pittswood and North Gorley

OUTBREAKS of a highly contagious disease have been found in areas of the New Forest, the verderers have confirmed.

Strangles is one of the most common horse afflictions, 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: “Strangles has been seen at Fritham and Longcross in recent weeks and now also at Woodgreen, on Godshill cricket pitch and in Pittswood. In addition, there are cases in North Gorley.

“It is mostly young ponies – not foals – which are affected. The outbreak may affect the drifts which will not take place in areas where strangles is clearly evident. The agisters are monitoring the situation carefully.”

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 signs 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 a slight loss of appetite.

Most horses recover from strangles in three to four weeks.

It is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi which is 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.

The spokesperson added: “The veterinary advice that the court always follows is to leave animals with strangles alone, unless they are very sick and need veterinary intervention.

“Most ponies recover well, and at this time of year – when most are in good condition – strangles is not usually a serious problem.”

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.