What Causes Horse Distemper?
Strangles in horses is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi which affects the lymph nodes in the upper respiratory tract. The lymph nodes become swollen under the jowl and throatlatch area and cause breathing difficulties for the horse. The horse makes strangling breathing sounds and this is how the condition “strangles” got its name. This bacterial infection develops as a result of direct contact with infected horses and is also spread through food, water and equipment. Bacteria found in nasal discharge and abscesses of infected horses are very contagious and when they are secreted into the air, they are inhaled by other horses causing them to become infected. Equine strangles or distemper may affect horses of all ages but horses under the age of 5 years tend to be more susceptible to this disease. Cold and damp weather conditions may also increase the horse’s risk of contracting distemper. Symptoms usually develop two to six days after exposure. If left untreated, abscessed lymp
