More details on methods for control and eradication of strangles on equine premises are available in the ‘Strategy to eradicate and prevent Strangles (STEPS)’ document, which is accessible here.
The spread of S. equi may be limited by the early detection of shedders among newly affected horses and their in-contacts by appropriate testing (see above). Any suspected cases should be isolated immediately.
Young and elderly horses are most susceptible to infection and should be monitored closely. All infected horses and their in-contacts should remain in strict isolation, under the direction of the attending veterinary surgeon, and with the highest possible standards of hygiene.
Regular disinfection of water troughs should be performed in order to minimize the infectious dose that in-contact horses receive and so reduce the severity of disease.
Horses should not enter affected premises unless they can be kept in strict isolation from all possible sources of infection. No infected or in-contact animal should be released from isolation or veterinary supervision until they have been tested conclusively negative for active shedding and the carrier state, as described above.
