BROKEN BOW – The Custer County Fair Board has released a statement notifying the public that it is aware of the recent isolated case of Strangles in Custer County and that it has taken necessary precautions to protect the fair.
The board has consulted local and state veterinarians, and at this time, there are no concerns as far as the spread of disease, and no extra measures have been deemed necessary prior to fair events.
The statement goes on to encourage equestrians to contact their vets before the fair to ensure the absence of the disease. Horses exhibiting clinical symptoms of Strangles should not be brought to the county fair, and the horse’s vet should be notified. Fair participants should also contact their veterinarians regarding preventative measures.
Strangles is a contagious, equine, upper respiratory disease that horses catch through inhalation or digestion of the Streptococcus equi bacteria. It can be transmitted through horse-to-horse contact, drinking contaminated water, or making contact with infected material or equipment.
The disease is common and severity greatly depends on the horse’s immune system. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, fever, and swollen lymph nodes with abscess formation.
The full release is below.
