Owners urged to ‘speak out on strangles’

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is holding a free seminar on strangles, encouraging owners to learn more and speak out about this highly-contagious disease.

Ditch the stigma

Earlier this year Redwings reported two cases of strangles at their farm in Norfolk. This was the first case of the infection at the charity in 23 years.

The charity didn’t hesitate in communicating the strangles outbreak and wants other owners to do the same.

“We have always encouraged owners to speak out on strangles so we didn’t think twice about doing so as soon as it was identified at the Sanctuary,” saidRedwings chief executive Lynn Cutress. It’s time to ditch the strangles stigma and ensure that horse owners know how to identify symptoms and deal with an outbreak.”

The ‘Speak out on Strangles’seminar will feature presentations from head of welfare and behaviour Nic de Brauwere and welfare veterinary surgeon Roxane Kirton.

They will provide an insight into the disease and offer practical advice on how to prevent its spread

Threat of the disease

“Strangles is endemic in the UK horse population meaning with live the threat of the disease every day,” explained Nic de Brauwere. “It can also be infectious even when symptoms are not showing in the horse, which makes it incredibly difficult to contain.

“What is important is understanding what constitutes a high risk of outbreak and how to minimise that risk.

To book your place on the evening seminar on 22 July call 01508 481066 or email Redwings education officer Andie Vilela.