Bid to halt deadly horse disease

The equine community has been urged to help tackle the disease

A new code has been launched to attempt to cut the number of cases of a highly contagious horse disease.

The British Horse Society and Scottish SPCA are behind the strategy to eradicate and prevent strangles.

The code is aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and reducing the stigma of the disease in the equine community.

Last year a number of rideouts in Hawick Common Riding were cancelled due to an outbreak in the area.

Strangles is characterised by a nasal discharge and fever followed by abscesses in the lymph nodes.

The welfare and economic impact of strangles is huge and we need to develop an easier and more failsafe method of diagnosis to help to prevent its spread Prof Paddy Dixon

The STEPS code sets out measures to be taken where the disease is suspected and how to reduce the risk of it spreading.

It was developed by the Scottish Strangles Strategy Group, comprising veterinary surgeons, welfare organisations and representatives of the horse world.

Prof Paddy Dixon, of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies, said it was part of a wider plan to tackle the disease.

"Education and the launch of the code are just a few of the measures being introduced in a bid to tackle this deadly disease," he said.

"The welfare and economic impact of strangles is huge and we need to develop an easier and more failsafe method of diagnosis to help to prevent its spread."

Helene Mauchlen, from BHS Scotland, said she hoped people would follow the "first really comprehensive and practical guide to dealing with strangles".

"Education is our main weapon in combating this threat and the code is an essential tool in reaching horse owners," she said.

"I hope Scotland's horse owners and managers will take it to heart."

Conquer disease

Her view was echoed by Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn.

"The equine community can help the veterinary specialists to conquer this disease by following the code and working together in a spirit of openness," he said.

A number of events were cancelled due to an outbreak of the disease near Hawick last year.

However, the common riding itself was able to proceed as normal.