Latest Progress

August, 2008

So far, the campaign has raised a brilliant £168,000 towards the battle to eradicate Strangles.

For the last four years, scientists at the Animal Health Trust, in Newmarket, have working on developing an effective diagnostic test for the disease and earlier this year, thanks to all funding and supporters, our scientists have been able to achieve this goal. The test identifies horses that have recently been exposed to Strangles.

Brigadier Paul Jepson, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust, said “We are delighted that our funding for this project has been so fruitful. This represents major progress in our battle to reduce the suffering caused by this common and debilitating disease.”

The test is ideal for screening horses prior to movement, competition or sales. The use of this new blood test, which is available now, should lead to a significant reduction in the number of new Strangles outbreaks.

Peter Webbon, Chief Executive of the Animal Health Trust, commented, “Our research scientists have a particular interest in the diagnosis and prevention of Strangles and the development of this test is a major milestone.”

The next big step is the development of an effective vaccine, which will be a massive breakthrough in protecting horses and ponies around the world. We still need to raise almost £100,000 so please, help us eradicate this awful disease if you can.

Photos of Strangles

Latest Progress