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4 clusters · 5 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: HEALTH

US equine strangles outbreak 2026

Entities: Equine Disease Communication Center · Green County · Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · Santa Rosa County · Streptococcus equi subsp. equi

Overview

The outbreak of Streptococcus equi‑caused strangles in the United States continued through July 2026. After Wisconsin reported four new cases on July 20 and Florida confirmed an 18th state case on July 27, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture added two more positive horses on July 29—a 20‑year‑old Paint mare in Dunn County and a 2‑year‑old Friesian mare at a boarding facility in Portage County. All affected animals were placed under quarantine and received supportive care, with biosecurity protocols reinforced at the respective farms.

The July 29 bulletin also noted two cases of Potomac horse fever at a Green County boarding facility, an unrelated equine disease transmitted by insects or contaminated water. In the same week, Michigan officials confirmed a Quarter Horse gelding in Kalamazoo County positive for strangles after PCR testing of a nasal swab. The horse, which showed nasal discharge and facial swelling on June 11, is now recovering, and nine additional horses on the premises have been identified as exposed. State authorities have placed the premises under quarantine and reiterated recommendations for strict hygiene and movement restrictions.

Together, these reports show a pattern of geographically dispersed strangles incidents across the Midwest and Southeast, prompting state agriculture agencies and the Equine Disease Communication Center to monitor, isolate, and advise on heightened biosecurity measures to contain the spread.

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Wisconsin Confirms Strangles and Potomac Horse Fever Cases

    Wisconsin reports strangles cases in Dunn and Portage counties and Potomac horse fever cases in Green County, all confirmed by the state agriculture department and the EDCC.

  2. 6 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Quarter Horse in Kalamazoo County Diagnosed with Strangles

    A Quarter Horse gelding in Kalamazoo County, Michigan was confirmed positive for strangles; it showed nasal discharge and facial swelling, is recovering, and nine other horses were exposed.

  3. 8 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Horse Tests Positive for Strangles in Santa Rosa County, Florida

    A horse in Santa Rosa County, Florida, tested positive for strangles, marking the state's 18th case in 2026; four other horses were exposed, prompting quarantine and biosecurity measures.

  4. 15 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Wisconsin Equine Strangles Outbreak Identified

    Four new equine strangles cases were reported in Wisconsin counties, plus a confirmed case in St. Croix County; authorities urge quarantine and strict biosecurity.

Sources

electionwatchdog.org · enveloprisk.com · equimanagement.com · equusmagazine.com · horseandrider.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history