Strangles (Streptococcus equi) has been confirmed in Middlesex County, Ontario. Two Standardbreds, one who hasn't raced since June 2025 and another who last raced 11 days ago developed a high fever and submandibular lymph node swelling. Both tested positive for S. equi by PCR on December 10, 2025. A pony in the same shedrow with a draining abscess also tested positive for S. equi. There is one additional suspected case.
The infected horses are isolated and their care is being supervised by attending veterinarians. Trainers in the affected part of the barn have voluntarily withdrawn their horses from racing and are monitoring horses for fevers and the development of clinical signs of Strangles. Trainers at the facility are working with their veterinarians to institute biosecurity protocols.