Strangles Outbreak in Kawartha Region

Strangles Outbreak in Kawartha Region
Apr 19 A confirmed case of strangles at a Peterborough, Ontario area farm has resulted in racing restrictions for a number of racing stables.

The highly contagious disease was confirmed yesterday at Fairway Farm (formerly Kawartha Farms) which has resulted in a voluntary quarantine of the training property. As a result a number of trainers have been affected including Murray Samons, Shaun McDonald, Ted Reid, Laurie Horton/Wayne Ferguson, Ray Allen, Steve Gassien/Monica Hendricks, Per Henriksen, Owen Renout, Howie Murney/Wayne Kilner, Milt La Riviere, Doug George, Matt Element, Don/Wayne Campbell and Mark Baker.

An estimated 30 horses (not all racehorses) have been affected by the outbreak. A quarantine period of 21 days will apply to horses on the property and 14 days for horses that had recently left the property.

Strangles is a highly contagious disease caused by the Streptococcus equi organism. Typically, the disease begins as a throat infection before the organism makes its way to the lymph nodes of the body via the lymphatic system. Treatment tends to be to allow the disease to run its course and treat with penicillin in severe cases.