Yard ‘bullied’ after strangles
A woman who lost her horse to strangles is calling for better education about the disease, writes Catherine Austen.
Alice Lawrence is yard manager at Shedfield Equestrian, a Hampshire livery yard, riding school and tack shop.
She says the past four months, since her horse Blue was diagnosed with strangles and subsequently died, have been “hell”.
“Two other cases were confirmed at Shedfield, then scoped clear. Business began to pick up,” Ms Lawrence said. “Then a horse due to leave the yard tested positive and the world of social media came crashing down.
“We were hated, the insults were unbelievable. A positive blood test indicates a horse has been exposed to the bacteria, but is not necessarily infectious. Investigation is needed to discover whether it has raised antibody levels from a past infection or is a ‘healthy’ carrier of the disease.”
The horse was confirmed to be a carrier, isolated and treated. But Alice said: “The abuse was out of control. We were accused of lying and hiding information. Bullying was taking place on staff’s Facebook pages.
“The shop suffered; people were ‘terrified’ to collect rugs or feed. But strangles can only be spread by direct contact with an infected horse, or contaminated objects.”
“It’s been almost impossible,” she added. “Without the support and kindness of liveries and staff, I don’t know where we’d be.”
Charity Redwings has launched a “speak out on strangles” campaign (news, 28 April).
Chief executive Lynn Cutress said: “Last year, we experienced our own outbreak.
“Although we are highly experienced in managing the disease, which is sadly commonplace among our rescue cases, this was the first time in 23 years we had an outbreak in our resident herd. If Redwings — with our knowledge, experience and investment of resources into strangles — can get an unexpected case, anyone can.
“And so we launched a campaign to remove the stigma, and ensure owners know how to identify and react to symptoms to manage outbreaks. Increased awareness of best practice in biosecurity is key to stamping out this disease, as is changing attitudes. Shame, secrecy or ambivalence allow it to exist under the radar, rather than be dealt with quickly, effectively and openly,” added Lynn.