Strangles is apparently infecting horses in the Ottawa Valley. Can anyone confirm that this is true?

I have also heard that, not sure if it is true...

I have heard that there is a barn quarantined in the Manotick or Kemptville area.

I have heard it is true and there is a barn (which I won't name) in the Ottawa valley that has strangles.

I live in Kemptville. I have heard nothing, but could you please confirm if this is true!

My coach heard the same thing from her vet and he recommended that the barn get vaccinated! So all of our guys are having the vaccine this week!

OK this bothers me that VETS have heard the rumour but do not KNOW if there is a break out. Would it not make sense for Vets to notify other vets to let them know.
Find it interesting too that no one on here can confirm this yet, so until someone confirms, just make sure at shows that you don't have direct contact with other horses etc...

It seems that this might be an outbreak at a more private stable, as no one on the forum has confirmed it yet. But I would definitely like to know where this is breaking out! Also can't believe that the vets can't confirm it... Hope it doesn't spread further!

Doesn't this "scare" happen this time every year??

http://horseworld.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1421046...911039242#2911039242

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Polopony,

It has been confirmed in one stable in Quebec 100%, they are only 15 min from Ottawa. Not sure what stable in Ottawa has it

Melanie
www.healthyhooves.ca

I understand that the case(s) have been isolated and moved to a separate quarantine facility where they can recuperate and not infect others. Kudos to the barn management for their diligence in recognizing and containing the outbreak.
Nevertheless, please read up on the topic on the OMAFRA website at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/03-037.htm
Strangles is always a threat, even to vaccinated horses, and we all must take precautions to minimize the risk of infection.

Vets can't comfirm a case of strangles unless an owner gives full consent...patient doctor privledges apply of course

My vet told me it was in the area and advised me to get the vaccine for the show horses. Of course, they could not tell me what barn, just that it is "in the area" and to be careful at shows.

Hopefully people will be responsible enough if they know their horse(s) have this they will be willing to keep them away from the shows. A horse can catch it really easily.

I had heard from a few people of strangles cases at a few different barns in the Ottawa area. Our vet has recommended that all our horses be vaccinated regardless of showing or not, and it is not a vaccine most horse's at my barn recieve.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TCB,

We have done the Strangles nasal vaccine and had good success with it in the past. Never done the injection as there seems to be more risk of injection site infection. I found after handling the horses that were vaccinated I got a little fluey myself even though we were carefull. Follow vets directions after the nasal vaccine to a T. They will explain everything.

If you have a horse that was on the track and is 6+ years old you should be safe.

Also know horses who have been exsposed but do not show outward signs may be carriers of Strangles. They can in fact shed the virus and infect other horses.
Having the virus on your property this time of year allows it to live on the fences and other outside objects. It is a very hardy virus that will need a couple of killing frost to die off.

Virkon available at most feed stores is a fabulous disinfectant that will kill all but one or two viruses that are shed by cattle. It will kill the strangles virus. It can be mixed in a sprayer and applied to fences, grass ect.

If you are worried I would get the vaccine via nasal, I know when we did it you needed a booster. No side effects in the horses that were done here 3 different years.

Safe showing, and a happy season!

quote:

Originally posted by trainer:

If you have a horse that was on the track and is 6+ years old you should be safe.

Trainer what do you mean by that. I have an ex racer and he is now 7 this year. Do you mean they would probally be vacinated already for that or what? How does it make them safe?

Alot of race horses have been exsposed. There are many who are actually carriers. A large stable (A circuit) where I worked over 20 years ago had a 5 year old OTTB come in, luckily to the smaller but. But unfortunate it was full of yearlings. He carried Strangles, no outward signs, but the whole barn ended up with it. We were able to contain it to that barn. Thankfully winter came sooner than later as well.

Horses who have been sick with strangles should have a gutteral pouch swab after the illness has cleared before they are moved or other horses are exsposed to them. Many will carry and shed Strangles long after they are well.

The highest risk animals are the young horses, particularily 4 and under. One of 4 yearlings hit with this was almost lost due to massive swelling in the jowel area and possible strangulation due to the swelling. It all showed up over night, fine at night check and all sick at the morning feed with grossly swollen heads. It hits the young real hard.

When in doubt talk to your vet about vaccination.