Strangles in horses: Prevention, causes, and symptoms

Strangles is one of the most feared equine diseases, and with good reason. It’s highly contagious and can be devastating to horses. Fortunately, through awareness, early intervention, and preventative measures, the spread of this infection can be minimised. 

Read on to learn more about this condition, its symptoms, treatment options, and how to protect your horse.

What is strangles?

Strangles is an infection caused by Streptococcus equi (S. equi), a bacteria that primarily affects the lymph nodes and upper respiratory tract of horses. This highly contagious infection spreads easily through horse-to-horse contact and via contaminated surfaces or clothing. 

While not airborne, the bacteria can survive for varying lengths of time:

• Three days on fencing or in the soil
• Seven days on surfaces not exposed to sunlight
• Six weeks in water and moist areas like water buckets
• 24 hours on clothing

The incubation period ranges from three days to three weeks, and the disease is difficult to contain once it begins spreading.

What are the symptoms of strangles in horses?

The symptoms of strangles can vary from one horse to another, but common signs include:

• High fever (above 38.5°C)
• Coughing
• Thick, discoloured nasal discharge
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw and around the neck that may form abscesses

If you suspect your horse has strangles, isolate them immediately and contact a veterinarian.

Is mild strangles still a risk?

Some horses experience a milder form of strangles, which may resolve without severe complications. However, even mild cases require careful management to avoid the infection spreading. 

In these cases, symptoms may include:

• Mild fever
• Slight loss of appetite
• Nasal discharge that isn’t thick or discoloured

Monitoring the horse closely and following veterinary advice is essential.

Can humans catch strangles from horses?

While strangles is a disease that primarily affects horses, humans can unknowingly spread the bacteria between horses if safety measures aren’t followed. Humans can carry S. equi on clothing, hands, or equipment. 

To reduce the risk of strangles contamination:

• Always wash hands thoroughly after handling affected horses
• Wear protective clothing like gloves and overalls, and remove them before interacting with other horses
• Disinfect boots, tools, and equipment that come into contact with infected horses

Strangles Awareness Week

Every May, Strangles Awareness Week reminds horse owners and riders that all horses, regardless of breed or age, are at risk of strangles. In 2026, Strangles Awareness Week took place in early May (4-10th), aiming to educate people on best practices and the importance of getting your horse vaccinated.

Treatment and recovery

While there is no cure for strangles, effective treatment can help your horse recover. Treatment typically focuses on making the horse as comfortable as possible, managing fever, and treating abscesses. 

Home care

• Isolate the horse to prevent the spread of the disease
• Offer soft, warm food to ease swallowing
• Monitor the horse’s temperature and overall condition

Veterinary care

• Anti-inflammatory medications to control fever
• Drainage or surgical intervention for abscesses
• Regular monitoring and tests to ensure the bacteria is no longer present

Prevention

• Ensure strict hygiene and biosecurity measures
• Quarantine any new horses for three weeks before allowing them to interact with the herd
• Consider vaccination, although it does not guarantee your horse will not get symptoms of strangles, should infection arise on your yard

What to do if you think your horse has strangles

If you suspect that your horse may have strangles, act quickly:

1. Isolate the horse immediately from other horses
2. Contact a veterinarian for an official diagnosis and treatment plan
3. Implement strict measures to prevent further spread

Vaccinating against strangles

There are strangles vaccines available that can help to manage this disease, but they do not provide complete prevention of infection.

In the UK, vaccination is often recommended for horses considered at high risk. This status would be reached after a discussion with your attending vet, taking into account the level of competition your horse(s) do and whether it is a shared yard.

By following the guidelines you and your vet put in place, and remaining vigilant, you can help protect your horses from the spread of strangles. Stay informed and ensure that your biosecurity practices are always up to date

Related articles:

• First aid tips for horse owners
• Coughing in horses: What to look out for
• Equine flu: What to look for