Strangles: A Worldwide Problem That Researchers Say Needs Better Monitoring

One of the more common equine respiratory diseases is strangles, a contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. Most horses recover from strangles with no complications, though the disease can make some horses very sick. Ten percent of horses remain carriers once they are infected, meaning they don't show clinical signs, but they can spread the disease.

Because of the potential significant health and welfare consequences – and the economic costs associated with the disease – finding additional information about the strangles is crucial.

Dr. Catriona Mitchell and colleagues from 18 countries used DNA sequencing techniques to analyze 670 Streptococcus equi isolates from 19 countries. The researchers found different variants of the disease. Strangles in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Argentina are closely linked. The research team determined that the movement of horses and global trade help spread the disease.

The team suggests that labs utilize an online surveillance platform called Pathogenwatch to monitor the emergence and spread of new strains of strangles. This will assist with interventions and policy-making decisions.

The authors suggest that strangles be recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as an internationally important disease. They also suggest that identifying horses that are infected with strangles before or immediately after travel would limit the movement of the disease.

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Letter to the Industry: Coolmore Calls on Industry for HHR Support

Dear Friend of Coolmore America,

As a valued client and friend of Coolmore America we need your help to take action and keep the Kentucky thoroughbred business strong and vibrant. Due to a recent ruling by the Kentucky Supreme Court the future of the horse business in Kentucky along with the more than 60,000 jobs and more than $5.2 billion in economic impact is now at a crossroads and in jeopardy.

Over the last decade historical horse racing has helped the horse industry flourish and has created thousands of jobs and cemented Kentucky as the capital of the horse racing and breeding world. We need your help to contact state legislators here in Kentucky and tell them what the Kentucky horse industry means to you, your family, your business and your life.

The horse business in the United States needs a strong Kentucky and our legislators need to hear from YOU!

Please follow the steps below and let Frankfort hear your voice.

Kentucky Residents

  1. Visit www.horseswork.com
  2. If you are a Kentucky resident click on “Send a message to your legislator”.
  3. Compose your unique message to your local legislators telling them what the horse business means to you.
  4. Once you enter your contact details your local legislators will automatically populate.
  5. Hit send message.

Non Kentucky Residents

  1. Visit www.horseswork.com
  2. If you are a non-Kentucky resident click on “Sign our petition”.
  3. Fill in the 3 fields
  4. Hit “submit”.

Best wishes,

Coolmore America

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