Foal found with contagious horse disease in New Forest
There's a warning to equine owners in the area
A highly contagious disease for horses, which can be fatal, has been found in a foal in the New Forest.
The animal was found with Strangles, which is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the bacteria 'Streptococcus equi'.
The bacteria often infect the lymph nodes around the jaw, causing them to become swollen.
In severe cases they can become so swollen that horses struggle to breathe properly, hence the name ‘Strangles’.
The New Forest Verderers say the foal was found in the Longdown area, and has since been removed.
All horse riders are being urged to take extra care when riding through the forest, avoiding contact with donkeys and ponies.
What are the signs of Strangles?
Here are the signs and symptoms of the disease you should look out for:
- Depression
- Loss of appetite/ Difficulty eating
- Raised temperature
- Cough
- Nasal discharge, often thick and yellow (purulent or pus like)
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands) around the throat
- Drainage of pus from the lymph nodes around the jaw
It can be treated with anti inflammatory medication to make them feel well enough to eat.
The British Horse Society says you should do the following if you suspect Strangles:
- Isolate the horse(s) affected
- Call your vet
- Contact owner(s) – including those of horses who have been in contact with the affected horse
- Monitor other horses on your yard for signs of infection
- Spread the word, not the disease – tell people such as your farrier and any nearby equine property
For more information, visit the British Horse Society website.