Third strangles case confirmed at Michigan barn

Third strangles case confirmed at a Michigan barn

A third horse at a Genesee County, Michigan, premises has now tested positive for strangles, according to an EDCC Health Watch report published by Equus on March 30, 2026. The latest case involved a 15-year-old Paint mare that tested positive on March 26 and was quarantined. The report says this is the third confirmed case at the same premises, following an initial case reported in late November 2025 and a second confirmed case in January 2026. EDCC data tied to the same outbreak identifier lists three confirmed cases, one suspected case, and three exposed horses at the site, with the premises under voluntary quarantine. (equusmagazine.com)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians and barn managers, the update is a reminder that strangles outbreaks can smolder for months if carrier horses or biosecurity gaps aren't fully addressed. Michigan lists strangles as a reportable equine disease, and MDARD directs suspected or confirmed cases to be reported to the state. Guidance from AAEP and Merck Veterinary Manual emphasizes quarantine, temperature monitoring, movement controls, and follow-up testing, including evaluation for guttural pouch carrier status, because persistent carriers can continue seeding transmission long after obvious clinical illness has passed. (michigan.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether MDARD or EDCC posts additional updates on the Genesee County premises, especially around release from quarantine, resolution of the suspected case, or testing aimed at identifying persistent carriers. (equinediseasecc.org)