Embargo on SA Stable Lifted After Strangles Outbreak

Thursday, 15 August 2002 00:00
TRSA Stewards today announced that the embargo on the South East Stable property recently quarantined has been lifted.

Chairman of Stewards, Graham Loch, advises:

"Our Veterinary Surgeon Dr. R. C. Robinson visited the Trainer’s property today and is satisfied that the Trainer can move stock."

"Both the Trainer and their Veterinary Surgeon have cooperated and the prompt isolation of the affected case from the rest of the stable has been integral to controlling this outbreak."

"However, I would urge Trainers not to drop their guard."

"We have not been able to ascertain with certainty where the disease came from, therefore other cases may still be in the horse population."

Dr. Robinson advises that the following recommendations are the best measures to be taken for Trainers to keep Strangles out of their stables:

  • The disease spreads predominantly by direct horse to horse contact, but can also occur indirectly via contaminated transports, gear and tack, buckets, feed, stables, flies, pasture, water troughs and stable hands. Isolation therefore means no physical contact with other horses, but stable and personal hygiene are obviously important as well.

  • All isolated horses or suspicious cases should be attended and fed last in the daily routine, with staff disinfecting hands and footwear between such horses.

Symptoms to look for include -

  • Purulent nasal discharge.
  • Painful swelling (abscess formation) of the lymph nodes in the throat, head and jaw areas.
  • These abscesses ultimately mature and rupture, discharging purulent material to the exterior.
  • Increased body temperature > 38.5°C.
  • Loss of appetite.

All new horses to the stable should be isolated for a minimum of three weeks and observe them daily for any symptoms. Ideally this includes taking temperatures every day and using separate gear and tack on all isolates.

Healthy horses may be vaccinated.

This involves three doses of vaccine two weeks apart initially and single annual booster dose thereafter until 5-6 years of age.

Improve fly control around stables, which includes careful manure disposal and covered manure storage.

Trainers looking to obtain more information may contact Dr. Robinson at TRSA on 08/8179 9823.

Media Release - TRSA