Conference On Equine Strangles

An international conference is underway in Stockholm. Organised by the Animal Health Trust, AHT veterinary experts are meeting to discuss recent scientific advances in tackling the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide, Strangles.

Strangles is caused by infection with the Streptococcus equi bacterium and is of major welfare and economic importance. Once established in an equestrian centre an outbreak may last for months, effectively shutting down liveries and stable yards.

The conference is addressing recent scientific advances made possible through completion of the Streptococcus equi and Streptococcus zooepidemicus genome sequencing projects and their implications for the prevention and possible eradication, of Strangles.

Carl Robinson, senior scientist at the Animal Health Trust:

"Access to the genetic makeup of these closely related bacteria has revolutionised our ability to design better diagnostic tests and vaccines."

The Strangles conference is sponsored by Intervacc, Pfizer and Intervet.