Freedom’s Gate Equine Rescue has paused the intake of new horses following reports of a respiratory infection in the Okanagan.
Carly Marchand, president of Freedom’s Gate, announced online that a veterinarian confirmed the presence of both strangles and Streptococcus zooepidemicus in the region. Both infections are contagious and potentially fatal.
“Due to this we will not be taking any horses into care until we receive an all clear by our vets,” Marchand said in the post.
Strangles in horses is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi equi, leading to fever, thick nasal discharge and painful abscesses in the lymph nodes which can obstruct breath if the swelling is severe. It affects horses, donkeys and ponies.
The infection can spread quickly through direct contact among horses, or contaminated equipment.
“While usually treatable, requires strict quarantine, supportive care, and hygiene to prevent outbreaks, with some horses becoming asymptomatic carriers,” Marchand added.
Marchand’s post gained some traction online, receiving supportive comments from the community.
