Isabel Hurley

REPORTS that strangles cases occurring recently in Enniskillen and Co Down appear to be contained is highly welcome as the eventing season kicks off today (Saturday) at the popular venue of Tyrella.

However the Irish Equine Centre confirmed yesterday that a week never goes by without it being notified of strangles occurring somewhere in Ireland, the industry cannot afford to let its guard down.

Strangles is a highly contagious disease of the equine upper respiratory tract caused by the bacteria streptococcus equi. Signs include a listless horse, suffering from a high temperature, off its feed, with yellow discharge from the nostrils and in later stages, the tell-tale bursting abscesses under the throat. It can be spread via contaminated buckets and feed troughs as well as handler’s clothing, footwear, tack and yard equipment.

Strangles has the potential to cause a virtual shutdown of affected yards.

Alerts have been carried on social media recently, with cases being reported across parts of Northern Ireland - leading to fears that a strangles outbreak was about to erupt. However it now appears these are isolated cases which have been contained.

Most Irish horse owners dread the very mention of strangles and there is often huge reluctance to admit that a yard has been hit by it. However that trend was bucked by British-based event rider Dani Evans, who took to social media this week confirming her English yard had been affected by it.

She posted on Facebook: “Just to stop the rumour mill, I can confirm that sadly we do have strangles on the yard. It is now under control and the horses are responding to all the veterinary treatment they are being given. I would like to say a personal thank you to all my owners at this difficult time. They are being incredibly supportive. The team at home also need thanking for all their hard work.”

Her forthcoming approach was praised by Eventing Ireland chairperson Georgia Stubington who told The Irish Field: “As far as I know, there were strangles cases in Enniskillen and then in Co Down. It was good to see Dani Evans being honest and upfront about her yard having strangles.”

Breeder Diane Harron Eakin of Ringfort Stud, Crossgar, Co Down, added: “It seems that the recent cases of strangles in Northern Ireland are getting better. There is a tendancy to keep such things quiet but strangles can be easily contained if identified and dealt with quickly and efficiently...If any yard suspects they may have a case of strangles, limit all movements and seek veterinary help so that everyone can be safe.”