According to the Equine Disease Communication Center and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a private facility in Marion County in Florida has been placed under quarantine by the FDACS as of Nov. 6 due to 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.

A Thoroughbred gelding was confirmed by a FDACS veterinary medical officer in Marion County with strangles with an onset of clinical signs on Oct. 27. The horse is affected, alive and vaccination status is unknown.

This is the 31st confirmed cases of strangles in Florida in 2023.

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.

Return to the Nov. 7 issue of Wire to Wire