CALIFORNIA, Md. — State officials have confirmed eight cases of Strangles, a highly contagious respiratory disease in horses, with quarantines in place across several Maryland counties, including St. Mary’s and Calvert.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Equine Disease Communication Center reported the following:
- St. Mary’s County: Two horses, including a Hanoverian foal, confirmed Aug. 12 at a private facility.
- Calvert County: One 5-year-old Warmblood gelding confirmed Aug. 21 at a boarding barn.
- Anne Arundel County: Three show horses, including a 21-year-old Thoroughbred mare, confirmed between Aug. 7 and Aug. 27.
- Montgomery County: One 12-year-old pony mare confirmed Aug. 28 at a private facility.
- Baltimore County: Two Thoroughbred geldings confirmed Aug. 15 at a boarding barn. Officials there also reported 15 suspected cases and 11 exposed horses, all under quarantine.
That brings the total to eight confirmed cases statewide this summer.
Strangles, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, spreads through nasal discharge, contaminated tack, or shared water sources. Horses may continue to shed the bacteria after appearing healthy, underscoring the need for quarantine and strict biosecurity.
The department urges horse owners to watch for fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and swollen lymph nodes, and to contact a veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.
For official updates, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture Equine Disease Alerts or the EDCC Disease Alerts.
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