Getting to grips with strangles

Getting to grips with strangles BHS Scotland, in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust, is hosting an international strangles conference during Strangles Awareness Week 2008 (26-30 May) to raise awareness of recent research into the disease and its prevention. The conference, which will attract specialists from around the world, follows the successful launch of the Strangles STEPS (Strategy to Eradicate and Prevent Strangles) during last year's initiative, which advises owners on disease prevention, including good stable management and hygiene procedures, and action to take in the event of an outbreak.

Research carried out during last year's Strangles Awareness Week by its founder, Intervet UK, revealed that the disease is as prevalent as ever with 42 per cent of horse owners aware of confirmed cases of the disease in their area within the last month of being questioned and 50 per cent reporting outbreaks within the preceding three months1.

The research also highlighted the fact that only 42 per cent of yards have a stable management and hygiene policy, which is a major factor in helping to prevent the disease.  In addition, educating horse owners about strangles is key with only 40 per cent of horse owners participating in the survey realising that dogs and cats could carry the bacterium which causes the disease, Streptococcus equi, on their pads and fur and only a quarter of respondents were aware that the bacterium could live on wood for up to 63 days.

Lee Hackett, BHS welfare senior executive, says: "Strangles continues to remain a serious problem within the equine industry and has major welfare and economic implications, therefore it's vital that owners remain vigilant for clinical signs of the disease in horses to help prevent strangles from spreading."

For further information on strangles, Strangles STEPS or Strangles Awareness Week, which is supported by Intervet, The BHS and BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association), please log on to:
www.equine-strangles.co.uk

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