Molecular Detection of Streptococcus Equi (Strangles) From an Unorganized Stud Farm

Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 12 horses (Eight with submandibular edema and 4 without any symptoms or lesion) brought to Madras veterinary college were screened for Streptococcus equi (S.equi) infection by culturing in Edwards medium base and PCR technique. Out of the 8 samples screened from the horses with submandibular lymphadenitis, 3 were found to be positive for S.equi and out of the 4 samples taken from apparently healthy horses, one was found to be positive for S.equi by culture and by PCR. The current study highlights the importance of initiating the regular screening process for strangles from both clinically affected as well as apparently healthy horses so as to prevent its spread in equine population and for initiating proper eradication programme.