2. HORSES: Strangles (Streptococcus equi subsp. equi) Flashcards
PÄÄNTAUTI
caused by
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi
characterized by
infection of upper respiratory tract
agent
-Streptococcus equi subsp. equi
-Gram +
-Beeta-hemolytic
survives in environment
less than 2 month
host range
horses, donkeys and mules
distribution
worldwide
more severe in
young horses
majority exposed horses develop immunity
lasts for same or more than 5 years
morbidity
-high
> higher in young horses: foals and weanlings
mortality
-low
> case fatality with Tx: 1-2 %; without 9%
transmission: excretion
-nasal and abscess discharge
> shedding begin 2-3 days after onset of fever, lasts for 2-6 weeks after cessation of CS
how transmitted
-direct contact
-fomites
transmission route via
mouth or nose
up to 10% of affected animals become
carriers
IP
3-14 days
first clinical sign
- fever
other clinical signs
-anorexia, listlessness
-nasal discharge (serous>mucopurulent)
-LYMPHOADENOPATHY
-dysphagia
-dyspnea, stridor
-hyperemic nasal and ocular mucosa
-inconsistent cough
> other signs depend on specific tissue involvement (e.g. neurologic signs)
why die
due pneumonia
complications in 20-30% of cases
-e.g. chondroid formation within GUTTURAL POUCH, metastatic abscessation
-increase case-fatality rate (less 40%)
Post mortem
-suppuration in internal organs- liver, spleen, lungs, pleura, peritoneum
> Chondroids in guttural pouch after CHRONIC Strangles infection
DDx
-Abscessation caused by other infectious agents
-Foreign body
-Neoplasia
-Salivary gland disease
diagnostic: material
-nasal swab
-nasal washes
-guttural pouch lavages
-aspirated pus
diagnosis: in the lab
-culture
-PCR
-serology: ELISA
>does not distinguish between vaccine and infection response!
treatment
-ABs (penicillin)
> supportive care; NSAIDs
> Long-term ABs if internal abscesses
disease
highly contagious disease of horses
in case of an outbreak
-Restrict movement
-Separate horses to affected, exposed and non-exposed groups
-Recovered and exposed horses should be evaluated for shedding before release from quarantine
-Compost manure and waste feed from infectious horses at an isolated location
-Contaminated pastures and paddocks should be rested for at least 4 weeks
prevention
-New arrivals should be isolated for 3 weeks and screened for S. equi
-Strict hygiene practices
-Vaccination – new vaccine developed in Sweden
vaccination
YES, new developed in Sweden
