Major breakthrough in battle against Strangles
 A
new diagnostic blood test has been developed to combat the
virulent horse disease Strangles.
The breakthrough has come after four years of research by
scientists at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket.
The development of the test is part of the campaign ‘Breaking
the Strangles Hold’, launched by the Animal Health Trust
and The British Horse Society in February last year by the
AHT’s President HRH The Princess Royal.
It has two main aims: to raise awareness among owners, riders
and anyone involved in the health and welfare of horses, and
to generate funds to support the vital research in the ongoing
battle to eradicate the disease.
The blood test identifies horses that have recently been exposed
to Strangles, enabling it to be nipped in the bud.
Oliver Wilson, campaign director at The British Horse Society,
said: "It is fantastic news. This big breakthrough is
a real boon to horse owners and I believe will lead to a significant
drop in Strangles outbreaks. But there is still much to be
done.
"The AHT's work to develop and test a fully effective
vaccine against Strangles is ongoing. To support it we need
to raise another £120,000 by the end of this year to
reach the campaign target of £250,000."
The Horse Trust's Chief Executive Brigadier Paul Jepson said:
“We are delighted our funding for this project has been
so fruitful. This represents major progress in our battle
to reduce the suffering caused by this common and debilitating
disease.”
Peter Webbon, Chief Executive of the Animal Health Trust,
said: “Our research scientists have a particular interest
in the diagnosis and prevention of Strangles and the development
of this diagnostic test is a major milestone. Huge thanks
go to all of those who have supported the campaign.”
Strangles is the most commonly diagnosed infectious horse
disease around the world. It can prove fatal. Clinical signs
include fever, profuse nasal discharge and abscessed lymph
nodes of the head and neck. The swelling of these lymph nodes
may, in severe cases, restrict the airway, hence the name
‘Strangles’.
The blood test is ideal for screening horses prior to movement,
competition or sales and will be available from 1 March this
year.
The next big step is to produce a new effective vaccine, which
would be a major breakthrough in protecting horses and ponies
around the world.
The campaign needs public support. Ways to help include making
a donation, holding a fundraising event, keeping a collection
box or buying a ‘Breaking the Strangles Hold’
polo shirt.
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