Can a horse carrying strep zooepidemicus be a danger to other horses on a livery yard?

Question

Can a horse carrying strep zooepidemicus be a danger to other horses on a livery yard?

Answer 1

Strangles is the common name for this disease.

It is HIGHLY contaigious.  If you have found a case you need to implement a quarentine immediately and call a vet.

All equipment - everything from grooming brusges and saddles to pitchforks and wheelbarrows - needs to be thoroughly disinfected and then disinfected again after every use.

I've been on yards with strangles and it is not pleasant.  It is not normally fatal but can be very distressing for the horse.

Read this link for more information: http://www.equine-strangles.co.uk/

Answer 2

You mean strangles?? If so, then yes! Very nasty.

Answer 3

Hope this helps

Strep. zooepidemicus can be an aggressive pathogen once the epithelium is breached. The route of entry in this case is not clear as there was no traumatic incident reported. The simultaneously bilateral nature of the disease might also suggest a lack of traumatic involvement. The recent outbreak in the area is suspicious and fly vectors could be responsible for its spread. The foal however remained clinically unaffected and conjunctival swabs were bacteriologically negative.

The possibility that the bacterium was introduced by contaminated plasma is strong given the rapid deterioration after introducing this treatment. Plasma or serum is primarily used topically to inhibit the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagenases responsible for keratomalacia ('melting ulcer') and there is some argument that it may also contain growth factors and other substances of benefit to epithelial healing. It should be autologous if at all possible and should be prepared using a sterile technique. It is best stored in the fridge and discarded after 72 hours. There is a good argument for not dispensing this treatment to the owner and only utilising plasma or serum in the hospital based patient.

Intensive topical antibacterial therapy is warranted and early surgical intervention should be considered where a bacterial ulcer is progressing. Topical steroids are contraindicated in ulcerative keratitis. They can potentiate fungal infections, promote the development of keratomalacia and greatly delay epithelial healing.