The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has reported several recent cases of infectious disease in the province.

In the first instance, a 14-year-old mixed-breed gelding living at a boarding facility in Frontenac County in southeastern Ontario has been diagnosed with strangles. The horse began displaying clinical signs on Dec. 15 and was diagnosed with purpura hemorrhagica, an immune-mediated vascular disease often associated with exposure to S. equi antigens which were cultured from the horse’s guttural pouches. There were other horses on the property with nasal discharge within the last month. The horse is currently recovering under veterinary supervision and voluntary animal movement restrictions on the farm are being implemented.

Read more about strangles here.

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