Pre-movement Testing
When purchasing a new horse or when moving to a new yard, it is highly recommended (and in many cases now a pre-requisite from livery yards) to have the horse tested for Strangles.
Strangles is a widespread, highly infectious disease of horses caused by the bacteria streptococcus equi. It affects horses of all ages and types, although those with a lowered immune system (for example, the young, old or sick) are at more risk. The disease is spread by physical transference of bacteria from an infected to a non-infected horse. Due to its infectious nature, the disease can spread rapidly through a population of horses if strict biosecurity measures are not imposed.
Clinical signs typically appear three to seven days after exposure, but it can be up to 14 days, or in rare cases even longer. The disease is spread when bacteria are transferred between horses. Often, this is direct contact between horses, but it can also be transferred via a fomite – objects such as water buckets, mucking out equipment, human hands and clothing and so on.
Horse with nasal discharge
Blood test
Testing for strangles can be completed by a blood test to assess the level of antibodies in the bloodstream. This must be interpreted with caution as a high level of antibodies does not always mean active disease. To interpret the test most accurately, it is necessary to take two blood samples, two weeks apart and assess if levels rise or stay the same.
Blood sample taken to test for strangles
Endoscopy
More owners are now opting for an endoscopic procedure rather than blood samples for pre-movement testing. The endoscopic procedure is a more reliable method of testing where the veterinary surgeon inserts a camera into the guttural pouches of the horse, allowing for a visual examination (e.g. for evidence of infection) and to obtain a sample to be taken and sent for testing. This can be completed at the yard under light sedation with minimal stress to the horse.
The endoscope which is portable allowing the procedure to be completed at the yard
Results
Strangles tests usually take between 3-5 working days for results to be returned so if you are thinking of moving, make sure you plan ahead.
Remember appropriate biosecurity measures must be in place for transporting, moving and isolating a new horse on arrival. Speak to the yard owner for their specific requirements.