According to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), a private facility in Palm Beach County, Fla., has been placed under quarantine by the FDACS as of Jan. 31 due 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 13-year-old Warmblood mare used for breeding was confirmed with strangles by an FDACS veterinary medical officer in Palm Beach County after an onset of clinical signs of nasal discharge and fever confirmed on Jan. 30. The affected mare is alive and the vaccination status is unknown.

This is the third confirmed case of strangles in Florida in 2025.

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 February 1 issue of Wire to Wire