Tackling Strangles on Dartmoor

How do you manage a Strangles outbreak in a herd of semi-feral ponies? 

In this fascinating podcast we hear from two inspiring individuals as they explain why and how they took a proactive approach to clearing the disease from a group of Dartmoor ponies in 2021.

Meet Dru Butterfield, Chief Executive of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, who was determined to stop Strangles in its tracks when it was causing serious illness among the 27 ponies then in the charity’s care. Dru explains how taking responsibility for trying to contain the disease, being completely open about their outbreak and working collaboratively to find the most practical and effective solutions all paid huge dividends.

We also hear from pony-keeper Tracey Lear, whose family have maintained a small herd of pure-bred ponies on Dartmoor for many years. Tracey tells us how she felt about finding out that some of her own ponies had been diagnosed with Strangles, and how much she learnt from finding out about the disease and supporting vets as they carried out checks on ponies recovering from infection.

Hosted by Redwings Horse Sanctuary for Strangles Awareness Week 2022, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to find out more about some of the challenges a Strangles outbreak can bring, and be encouraged that the infection can be eradicated in even in situations that are not straightforward to manage.

(Disclaimer: these are personal recollections from individuals are not veterinary advice. If you suspect a horse has Strangles, please contact your vet for guidance and support)

Do you have experience of Strangles, or particular concerns about the disease? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any questions feel free to post them as a comment and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Get involved in Strangles Awareness Week 2022 by taking the #TempCheckChallenge - www.redwings.org.uk/tempchecker 

Please follow the Strangles Awareness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StranglesAwarenessWeek and find out more on the SAW webpage at www.redwings.org.uk/strangles/strangles-awareness-week 

The following links will take you to free, verified sources of Strangles information:

Redwings Strangles Information Pack www.redwings.org.uk/sites/default/files/redwings_strangles_pack.pdf 

BHS Strategy for Eradication and Prevention of Strangles (STEPS) https://   www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/documents/welfare/steps-to-eradicate-and-prevent-strangles-leaflet.ashx?la=en 

SRUC’s Premium Assured Strangles Scheme (PASS) www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/what-is-your-goal/veterinary-laboratory-services/horse-health-schem

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