In a notice to the industry dated March 9, 2011, the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission announced that there has been a confirmed case of Strangles at a riding horse stable in the eastern part of Prince Edward Island and at a standardbred breeding operation on mainland Nova Scotia.

The MPHRC announced stated that local veterinarians and farm management were dealing with the situation and that they implemented control measures. The announcement went on to say that provided the measures were followed, there was very little risk to the local horse population.

The release also said that track management should monitor the movement of horses in and out of their facilities.

All horse owners are encouraged to continue to pay close attention to the health of their horses, in particular any significant rise in the animal’s temperature. It is also important to utilize good sanitation techniques to prevent the spread of disease.

Strangles is a highly contagious and serious infection caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi.

(With files from the MPHRC)