Florida reports strangles infection in Marion County horses

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has reported a strangles infection at a private facility in Marion County. One horse tested positive for the disease, resulting in the exposure of seventeen other horses.

The affected animals have been placed under an official quarantine. This incident marks the 23rd confirmed case of strangles in Florida for 2026.

Strangles is an infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. It spreads through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, coughing, and difficulty swallowing. While most horses recover within three to four weeks, the bacteria can be harbored by horses not yet showing clinical signs, potentially leading to long-term outbreaks.