Horse Strangles Vaccination Service

Strangles Vaccination and Treatment for Horses in Brisbane, Ipswich and Lockyer Valley

Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease, caused by the organism Streptococcus equi.

This bacterium is spread from horse to horse by direct contact with nasal discharge, pus from discharging abscesses and even coughing.

It can also spread via contaminated objects, including handlers, clothing and equipment, such as halters, water buckets and feed bins. While strangles often affects young horses, all horses are at risk, particularly when kept in groups.

Routine vaccination is the only way to prevent strangles.

Why do I need to vaccinate against strangles?

Highly infectious, strangles can rapidly spread from horse to horse. While young horses tend to have a lower immunity to strangles, making them more susceptible to the disease, it can affect all horses, leading to a distressing fever.

Strangles is most often present when horses are housed in groups, such as horse sales and breaking-in establishments. While the risk is greatest when horses are kept in such environments, if you bring an infected horse onto your property, this disease can have disastrous results.

How often do I need to vaccinate against strangles?

To provide maximum protection against strangles, your horse should receive an annual booster. However, for maximum protection boosters every 6 months are highly recommended.

If your horse is unvaccinated against strangles, you should follow the below schedule to give them the full benefits of immunity:

1. First dose – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac S

2-3 WEEK INTERVAL

2. Second dose – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac S

2-3 WEEK INTERVAL

3. Third dose – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac S

6 MONTH INTERVAL

4. 6 month booster – Equivac 2in1 or Equivac S

My horse never leaves my property, do I still need to vaccinate?

Yes, your horse may still contract strangles without leaving your property. Infection can be spread by bacterium present on handlers, yards, water troughs and other equipment, such as leads, halters and buckets – these are all items found at home.

My Next Steps

If your horse is due for vaccination or you’re unsure about its vaccination status, call us today on (07) 5411 4554 to speak with a qualified veterinarian.