Wisconsin strangles case highlights rescue intake biosecurity

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A 15-year-old mare in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles after arriving from a rescue, according to an EDCC Health Watch report published by Equus Magazine. The case adds to recent upper Midwest strangles activity that also includes a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Marquette County, Michigan, confirmed positive on March 5 after developing bilateral nasal discharge on February 23. In the Michigan case, one additional horse was suspected positive and two were exposed. Strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact and contaminated equipment, surfaces, and people. (equimanagement.com)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians and mixed-animal practitioners, the Wisconsin case is a reminder that intake from rescue settings can carry infectious disease risk, especially when history, vaccination status, and prior exposure are unclear. AAEP guidance notes that horses can remain contagious after recovery and that some clinically normal horses can continue to harbor and spread the organism, making quarantine, diagnostic testing, temperature monitoring, and cleaning of shared gear essential. Wisconsin requires reporting of diagnosed or credibly evidenced reportable animal diseases to the state within one day, and Michigan lists strangles among its reportable equine diseases as well. (aaep.org)

What to watch: Watch for any additional exposed horses in Jefferson County, whether quarantine guidance is expanded, and whether more linked cases emerge through EDCC or state animal health reporting. (datcp.wi.gov)