Authors: Waller Andrew
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Strangles: Current Understanding and Vaccine Development Progress Streptococcus equi remains a significant respiratory pathogen in equine populations worldwide, causing the highly contagious disease strangles with substantial welfare and economic implications for the industry. Waller's review, drawing on his experience leading bacteriological research at the Animal Health Trust, synthesises current understanding of the organism's pathogenesis and the immune mechanisms that vaccines must effectively target. Recent vaccine development has focused on identifying protective antigens and improving mucosal immunity at the site of infection, moving beyond conventional inactivated approaches that have shown variable efficacy in field conditions. Key research demonstrates that both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses are required for optimal protection, with particular emphasis on generating robust IgA responses in the respiratory tract mucosa rather than relying solely on systemic antibody production. For practitioners, this work highlights the ongoing need to critically evaluate vaccine choice and timing within stables experiencing disease, and underscores the importance of complementary biosecurity measures until more consistently effective vaccines become available.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Stay informed about emerging vaccine developments for strangles as they represent the most promising approach to disease control
- •Understand that strangles remains a significant challenge in equine practice globally, making vaccination strategies increasingly important
- •Work with your veterinarian to implement evidence-based vaccination protocols as new research advances become available
Key Findings
- •Streptococcus equi is the causative agent of strangles in horses
- •Current research is focused on improving vaccine efficacy against strangles
- •Strangles is a global disease affecting equine populations