Recent updates on strangles caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in Indonesia
Authors: Rotinsulu Dordia Anindita
Journal: Current Biomedicine
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Strangles in Indonesian Equine Populations Strangles remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases affecting horses globally, yet epidemiological data specific to Indonesia remain sparse. This 2023 literature review synthesises current knowledge on *Streptococcus equi* subspecies *equi*, examining diagnostic approaches (bacteriological culture, PCR, and serology), treatment protocols, and control strategies relevant to Indonesian practice. Whilst the causative beta-haemolytic bacterium demonstrates consistent susceptibility to penicillin-based antimicrobials, a significant gap exists in Indonesia's preventive arsenal: no commercially available strangles vaccine is currently marketed locally, limiting immunisation strategies to those available through international suppliers. The review emphasises that effective disease control hinges on rigorous biosecurity measures—quarantine protocols, disinfection, and movement restrictions—particularly important given sporadic case reporting and the disease's highly contagious nature. For practitioners managing strangles cases in Indonesian settings, this underscores the need to prioritise early laboratory confirmation via culture or molecular testing, appropriate antibiotic selection, and stringent isolation procedures, whilst advocating for vaccine accessibility to improve population-level protection.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Implement strict biosecurity measures including isolation of affected horses, separate equipment, and personnel hygiene to prevent strangles transmission within your facility
- •Request PCR or bacteriological culture testing for suspected cases rather than relying on clinical signs alone, as diagnosis confirmation guides treatment decisions
- •Ensure penicillin remains the antibiotic of choice for treatment; consult with your veterinarian on appropriate dosing and duration for your region's strains
Key Findings
- •Strangles is one of the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases in horses worldwide, reported sporadically in Indonesia
- •Laboratory diagnosis can be performed via bacteriological culture, PCR, and serological testing
- •Streptococcus equi subspecies equi is susceptible to penicillin-based antibiotics
- •Control measures include biosecurity protocols and vaccination, though no commercial vaccine is currently available in Indonesia