Michigan reports new equine strangles cases in Marquette, Washtenaw

A weanling colt in Marquette County, Michigan, tested positive for strangles on April 20, according to an EDCC Health Watch report published by EquiManagement on May 1. A separate EDCC alert published April 27 identified another Michigan case in a 13-year-old unvaccinated Lusitano gelding in Washtenaw County, where two additional horses were exposed; that horse developed fever and nasal discharge on April 16 and was reported as recovering after confirmation on April 22. The cases were reported through the Equine Disease Communication Center using information from the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and they add to Michigan’s recent strangles activity in April. (equimanagement.com)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians and practice teams, the reports are a reminder that strangles remains both highly contagious and reportable in Michigan. MDARD lists strangles among the state’s reportable equine diseases, and standard control hinges on rapid recognition, testing, isolation, and biosecurity because clinically normal horses can still spread Streptococcus equi. Merck Veterinary Manual notes that recovering horses may continue shedding for roughly four to six weeks, which raises the stakes for quarantine planning, follow-up testing, and communication with barns, trainers, and pet parents. (michigan.gov)

What to watch: Watch for any additional EDCC alerts tied to exposed horses in Washtenaw County or further confirmed cases in Michigan as spring horse movement continues. (equinediseasecc.org)