According to the Equine Disease Communication Center and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, facilities in Henry, Lake and Wakulla Counties have been placed under quarantine by the FDACS as of Jan 24 due a horses testing positive for strangles. Also, a facility in Sarasota County is under a voluntary quarantine for a horse testing positive for strangles.
Only the animals under quarantine have additional travel restrictions. The horse under quarantine is not allowed to leave the premises.
One horse was confirmed on Jan. 17 and another was exposed to strangles in Henry County. One horse was confirmed on Jan. 3 and four horses were exposed in Lake County. In Wakulla County, one horse was confirmed with strangles and eight horses were exposed and one horse was confirmed in Sarasota County.
The incubation period is between three to 14 days according to the EDCC.
Also known as Strep Equi, Strangles is a highly infectious bacterial infection that is spread from horse to horse through direct contact and by coming into contact with a contaminated surface. It is common and most horses are exposed and/or infected at a young age.
For more information about strangles click here.