The Equine Disease Communication Centre (EDCC) has reported that cases of equine strangles have been confirmed in Standardbred horses located in Ontario.
Two Standardbreds, located on a private farm in Waterloo, Ont., had showed clinical signs of nasal discharge and lymph node swelling and tested positive for S. equi on Monday, Dec. 15. The farm had been dealing with a respiratory infection prior to testing.
Another case has been reported in a Standardbred mare located in Grey Country, Ont. This mare developed a fever, became lethargic and anorexic prior to developing enlarged, firm submandibular lymph nodes, which abscessed over the weekend of Dec. 13-14. She tested positive for S. equi by PCR. The mare is recovering.
These horses are not part of the racing industry.
The farm owners, working with their veterinarians, have instituted voluntary animal movement restrictions and biosecurity protocols.
(With files from EDCC; Horse pictured does not have strangles)