Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutical studies on strangles in horses

Abstract EN

A total of 879 horses of different ages and sex at Al-Zahraa station, Ain Shams, Cairo and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates were examined both clinically and bacteriologically against strangles during the period from Jan., 2000 to November, 2002.

The incidence of the disease during that period was 19.57%.

It was observed that the rate of infection was higher significantly during summer months and in age group of 1-3 years.

Clinically, the disease was recorded in 4 clinical forms; The first was the typical form, the second was the atypical form, the third was the bastard form and the fourth is the carrier state in which the animal appeared normal in spite of its ability to shed the etiological agent with its nasal discharge.

The period of shedding last from 1-17 months.

Three groups of diseased animals, each of ten, were subjected to treatment with different antibiotics depending on the sensitivity test.

Animals of the first group were treated with sulphadoxin and trimethoprim.

Those of second group were treated with enrofloxacin.

Those of the third group were treated with erythromycin and rifadin.

The recovery rate was 80%, 70%, and 100% respectively.

In addition, 10 exposed foals were treated prophylactically with sulphadoxin and trimethoprim during the risk period.

The protection rate was 80%.