SOTA: The Pathogenesis and Prevention of Strangles

Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi, remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases of horses worldwide. The transmission of S. equi is facilitated by its ability to persist within the guttural pouches of recovered horses, presenting a challenge to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infection. This presentation will describe how this host-restricted pathogen establishes infection and evades host immune responses to be transmitted to naïve animals. The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of strangles provide opportunities to break the cycle of infection towards the eradication of S. equi from premises with endemic infection. This presentation will describe the latest advances in diagnostic and preventative measures towards improving the health of horses.