Case of horse disease strangles at charity's farm

Symptoms of strangles include lethargy and loss of apetite

The movement of horses at an animal welfare charity's farm has been suspended after a mare tested positive for a highly infectious respiratory disease.

A recent arrival at World Horse Welfare's Hall Farm near Snetterton, in Norfolk, was found to have strangles and has been kept away from the main herd.

Symptoms of strangles, which is potentially fatal, include a high temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite and a lowered head and neck. It cannot be passed to humans.

World Horse Welfare, which rehabilitates and rehomes horses, said it was taking "robust action" to prevent the disease spreading.

'Scary for horse owners'

Several equestrian events have been cancelled, although the farm's visitor centre remains open.

Sue Hodgkins, the farm's manager, said: "As a precautionary measure, we have suspended horse movements, and we will not be able to hire the school for any equine events until we are 100 per cent confident there is no further infectious risk or cases identified.

"I know it can be scary for horse owners when they hear the word 'strangles', but we would like to reassure everyone this is something we are very experienced in managing.

"Our team are well practised in containing and treating the disease, and we are confident this case will be handled effectively."

The charity said given the nature of the horses it helped "cases like this are not uncommon" and it expected the mare to make a full recovery.