Strangles (Streptococcus equi) has been confirmed in Elgin County, Ontario. A 12 year old gelding was recently purchased from a dealer in Lambton County. The horse arrived at the owner's farm on December 21, 2025 with nasal discharge and was immediately isolated. There were 3-4 other horses on the trailer. The horse developed facial swelling and an abscessed lymph node by December 29, 2025. PCR and bacterial culture confirmed S. equi (Strangles) on January 3, 2026. The horse is recovering.
The farm owner, working with their veterinarian, has instituted voluntary animal movement restrictions and biosecurity protocols. To see past and present Strangles cases in Ontario go to: https://www.oahn.ca/resources/ontario-equine-disease-alerts/ and enter the disease surveillance portal.