Strangles in horses: Why biosecurity matters for every yard owner

Biosecurity is often thought of as a practical, day-to-day responsibility for livery yard owners, but it is also one of the most important defences against infectious diseases such as equine strangles.

For any livery yard, riding school, competition yard or mixed-use facility, a strangles outbreak can have serious consequences. Beyond the welfare implications for horses, disease outbreaks can lead to movement restrictions, disruption to business operations, increased veterinary costs and significant financial pressure.

Understanding what strangles in horses is, how it spreads and the steps you can take to reduce risk can help protect both your horses and your business.

What is strangles in horses?

Strangles is one of the most common contagious diseases affecting horses in the UK. Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, equine strangles spreads easily between horses through direct contact, contaminated equipment, shared water sources, clothing, vehicles and people moving between premises.

While many horses recover fully, outbreaks can be highly disruptive and can result in yards being placed under voluntary or mandatory movement restrictions.

You can read more about the impact of an outbreak in our guide to Strangles Awareness Week and why ongoing vigilance remains important for horse owners and yard managers.

How is strangles spread?

One of the most significant and often underestimated risks comes from movement between yards. External professionals such as farriers, vets, equine dental technicians, physiotherapists, bodyworkers and freelance grooms may visit several premises in a single day. Without appropriate precautions, this can create a pathway for disease transmission.

Equipment, clothing, footwear, grooming kits, buckets and vehicles can all play a role in spreading infection if they are not properly cleaned and disinfected between visits. Even staff who work across multiple equestrian premises can unknowingly contribute to the spread of disease.

Many owners ask, “Is strangles airborne?”

While strangles is not generally considered a true airborne disease over long distances, respiratory droplets from infected horses can spread infection over short distances. The greatest risk remains direct horse-to-horse contact and contaminated people, equipment and environments.

What are the first signs of strangles in horses?

Recognising strangles symptoms early is vital to reducing transmission and protecting other horses on the yard.

Common signs include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Depression or lethargy
• Nasal discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes beneath the jaw or around the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing in some cases

The first sign of strangles in horses is often a high temperature before any visible swelling develops. Regular temperature monitoring can therefore help identify potentially infected horses sooner.

For a real-life example of how quickly symptoms can develop and the challenges owners may face during recovery, read our article: What to do if your horse contracts strangles: A case study.

Strangles test for horses

Early diagnosis is essential when managing a suspected outbreak.

Veterinarians may recommend several forms of strangles testing, including:

• Swabs from the nose or abscesses
• Guttural pouch endoscopy
• Laboratory PCR testing
• Blood tests in specific circumstances

Testing helps identify infected horses, carriers and horses that may require isolation or further treatment.

Prompt testing can significantly reduce the spread of disease and help yards return to normal operations more quickly.

Strangles vaccine for horses

Vaccination can form part of an overall disease prevention strategy for some horses.

The strangles vaccine for horses may help reduce the severity of disease and the likelihood of transmission, although vaccination should be considered alongside robust biosecurity measures rather than as a replacement for them.

Owners should discuss vaccination with their veterinary surgeon to determine whether it is appropriate for their horse’s circumstances and risk profile.

Biosecurity measures that help prevent equine strangles

Simple biosecurity measures can make a meaningful difference in reducing the risk of disease entering or spreading around your yard.

These include:

• Providing handwashing facilities
• Making disinfectant available for hands, footwear and equipment
• Cleaning and disinfecting shared equipment
• Avoiding unnecessary horse-to-horse contact
• Isolating new arrivals before introducing them to resident horses
• Monitoring horses for signs of illness
• Encouraging visiting professionals to follow hygiene protocols between yards

For yard owners, preparation is particularly important. Our article on strangles outbreak questions for yard managers to consider provides practical guidance on planning for and managing an outbreak.

The financial impact of a strangles outbreak

Even with strong biosecurity protocols in place, the risk of infectious disease can never be completely eliminated.

An outbreak of strangles in horses can have immediate consequences for equestrian businesses. Yards may be placed under lockdown, preventing horses from travelling to competitions, training venues or routine appointments.

For competition yards, this can mean cancelled plans, lost entry fees and disrupted training schedules. For riding schools and livery businesses, it can result in reduced income, dissatisfied clients and increased operational pressure.

The impact can escalate quickly. Veterinary costs for diagnosis, testing and treatment can become significant, particularly if multiple horses are affected. Outbreaks may also last for weeks or even months, creating ongoing financial strain through sustained veterinary expenses and business disruption.

Protecting your horses and your business

Good biosecurity and effective risk management go hand in hand.

Preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of disease entering and spreading on your yard, while appropriate insurance protection can help safeguard your finances should the unexpected happen.

Whether you operate a livery yard, riding school or competition yard, having suitable cover in place can provide valuable peace of mind alongside your day-to-day disease prevention efforts.

If you own a livery yard, keep it protected with SEIB’s Livery Yard Insurance. Our experienced team can help you find cover tailored to your business and its needs. Call us now to get a Livery Yard Insurance quote on 01708 850 000 or email info@seib.co.uk to find out more.

About SEIB

SEIB Insurance Brokers have been providing Horse Insurance for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies to suit your needs, including Horsebox Insurance and Horse Trailer Insurance. Our experienced team of horse owners can help provide you with advice on what cover you might need.