North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service

Re: Current Status of Strangles (Streptococcus equi) in North Carolina (Download pdf | 194 KB)

Date: 4/16/2024

From: Steve Troxler, Commissioner; Christina L. Waggett, Assisted Commissioner for Consumer Protection; Michael P. Martin, DVM, State Veterinarian

Strangles is a contagious disease in horses that is relatively common in North Carolina. Most animals that get the disease recover without major incident. Although there is often a negative social feeling associated with the disease (like headlice in children), it is important to not feed into those myths because being open and accepting that this disease is out there and may affect your horses helps us all take appropriate steps needed to control the disease such as isolation, biosecurity, and communication.

Strangles in horses is not reportable in North Carolina, however there are some states that have it on their reportable disease list. Because the disease is not reportable in North Carolina, NCDA&CS Veterinary Division staff may discuss concerns with you and share thoughts based on specific questions, but we do not require horse owners or veterinarians to tell us if they have or suspect that they have a case.

Recently, there have been some posts on social media that have raised concerns about the status of Strangles in North Carolina. These posts have created confusing information that has generated anxiety without merit. If you have concerns, I highly recommend talking with your veterinarian. I have contacted several equine veterinarians and talked with our laboratory so I can share a more accurate picture of Strangles in North Carolina as of this date.

• First, as the NC State Veterinarian, I have not required any horse shows to be cancelled or recommended any horse shows to be cancelled for any reason since I have started in my position in August 2021.
• Second, in talking collaboratively with NC equine veterinarians, there appears to be no evidence of a recent increase in cases or an outbreak of Strangles in North Carolina (I consider an ‘outbreak’ to be an unexpected or uncontrolled number of cases of a disease).

Sporadic cases of Strangles are not uncommon and occasionally you will get a ‘cluster’ of cases where a small number of animals near each other will become infected, especially if a sick horse is not identified right away. Disease ‘clusters’ happen, but when it is controlled, it will present minimal risk to other horses in the state. There is often a greater risk of Strangles with rescue horses, so it is important to work with your veterinarian ahead of time when acquiring new horses.

If you suspect Strangles in your horses or have questions or concerns, it is always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian directly about your concerns. Catching clinical signs early and talking about them are essential for controlling the disease. Your veterinarian can help guide you with how best to isolate suspect animals and improve biosecurity to prevent spread. They can also discuss treatment and prevention options.

Michael P. Martin, DVM, MPVM, ACPV
State Veterinarian
Director, Veterinary Division, NCDA&CS

NC Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

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