Strangles, Streptococcus equi equi, in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Strangles is a common upper respiratory infection of horses. The Gram-positive coccus, Streptococcus equi subspecie equi (from here on called S equi), which causes strangles, has worldwide distribution. S equi is spread by direct contact with discharge from infected horses (eg., contaminated buckets, equipment). Strangles ranks among the three most significant respiratory diseases of the horse and makes up one of the complex of diseases called shipping fever. It's widespread distribution is favored by its highly contagious mode of spread and a mobile host population. The disease may cause serious disruption to farm or stable management, is a significant source of pain, loss of condition, and death in a small percentage of cases. Much progress has been made in recent years in understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of strangles and the biology of its etiologic agent, Streptococcus equi.

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