First Strangles Awareness Week

The world’s first Strangles Awareness Week is to take place this May (15 – 21) in a joint initiative between animal health company, Intervet UK and the British Horse Society to raise awareness of this highly contagious and seriously debilitating disease and how to control it.

With growing reports of strangles outbreaks throughout the country, this trail-blazing awareness week will focus on the significance of good stable management and hygiene procedures in the fight against strangles, together with vaccination to help prevent the disease and the role we can all play in remaining vigilant for clinical signs in horses.

Supported by accomplished rider and high profile member of the equestrian Kidd family, make-up artist Jemma Kidd, Strangles Awareness Week will see veterinary practices across the UK holding informative owner evenings to help horse owners do all they can to prevent strangles hitting their premises.

A ‘Strangles Helpline’ - 01908 685685 – is available to answer any queries that horse owners may have on the disease. 

In addition, a Strangles Professional Yard Pack will be available via vet practices and BHS representatives during Strangles Awareness Week for livery yard owners and managers wishing to learn more about the disease.  The unique pack includes everything you need to know about the disease and features a useful tack room poster, handy equine year planner, eye-catching car stickers to encourage owners to ‘get a grip on strangles’ and a voucher booklet providing owners with discounts on everything from equine insurance to tack.

“Strangles is a terrifying disease which could not only halt your riding activities for a long time, but also has horrific welfare implications for horses unlucky enough to catch it,” comments, Jemma Kidd.  “By backing Strangles Awareness Week, I hope to be able to raise the profile both of the disease and the preventative measures that should be put in place to help avoid it.”