01/19/2026
As with other horse professionals I always and even more so these days, take precautions.
I also ask that any horse owner that has traveled with their horses, or boards in a facility that has horses coming and going if they can provide me with that information.
I do treat each and every horse with the idea that any could be contagious and transmit disease. It does help though if owners are honest about were their horses have been
Thank you
The Situation
Veterinarians are urging increased caution among horse owners following confirmed cases of "strangles," a highly infectious disease, in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. While the outbreak is centered around Kelowna, cases have also been reported on the Sunshine Coast, in Alberta, and across Ontario.
About the Disease
Nature: Strangles is a bacterial infection that attacks a horse's lymph nodes, causing high fevers, loss of appetite, and abscesses that can rupture and spread infectious pus. It is described as "very contagious" and thrives in cold weather.
Transmission: The disease can be spread by "chronic shedders"—horses that appear healthy but continue to carry and spread the bacteria even after recovering.
Severity: While vaccines exist, they do not offer 100% protection. The disease can be fatal in at-risk equines.
Response and Precautions
Quarantine: Infected farms are advised to quarantine for six weeks, while other local barns are voluntarily implementing three-week quarantines.
Cancellations: Some horse shows and events have been postponed, and the Freedom's Gate Equine Rescue has paused intakes and public access to protect its animals.
Official Status: The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food states they have not received official reports of confirmed cases, as reporting strangles is not mandatory under provincial regulations. However, they are aware of the concerns within the equestrian community.
