Detecting recent exposure to S. equi
S. equi can be transmitted to susceptible horses by a variety of mechanisms, many of which do not involve direct horse-to-horse contact. Consequently, it is often very difficult to determine whether a horse associated with an outbreak may have been exposed to S. equi and has the potential to develop the disease and/or transmit the infection to other horses. Therefore, it is essential that ALL horses associated with an outbreak are screened by microbiological and PCR analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs to identify exposed horses.
For further details of our recommended procedures to prevent outbreaks or minimize their severity please view the strategy to eradicate and prevent strangles (STEPS) or the HBLB recommendations.
