Warning over pony disease

PONY owners on Dartmoor have urged visitors to avoid touching the animals after several cases of the contagious disease strangles, which is spread through contact.

The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust have issued a joint statement urging visitors to the moors to enjoy pony herds from a distance, after some have been seen to be carrying the disease.

Strangles is a highly contagious and difficult to manage bacterial infection of the respiratory system. It can be spread through direct contact with affected equines, or indirectly on items such as clothing, gloves or even cars.

Karla McKechnie, Livestock Protection Officer, said: “We are aware that a number of ponies on Dartmoor currently have strangles. Infected animals are being monitored by their owners and by myself. In order to help contain the spread of the disease, we are urging all visitors to the moor not to go near or touch the ponies.

“Strangles is highly infectious and transmitted via contact and we need everyone to work with us in helping to prevent its spread. We are also urging the public not to be tempted to feed the ponies or interact with them.” She added that there were cases of horses choking to death on unsuitable food.