High seroprevalenc rate of Strangles in horses of Northeast and Southeast of Iran

Introduction and Objectives: Strangles is caused by streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The bactria typically infect the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head and neck in equidae. Strangles occurs in horses, ponies, donkey and mules worldwide, highly contagious disease that affects horses of all ages, but is most common in young animals. The aim this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence rate of strangles in horses in northeast and southeast of Iran. Materials and Methods: serum samples from 149 horses were randomly collected in Kerman, Bojnord and Shirvan and were examined by ELISA assay. Results: seroprevalenc rate of antibody against M protein of streptococcus equi was 51.7%. Conclusion: This study determined that seroprevalene rate of antibody against M protein of streptococcus equi in horses in North-east and South-east of Iran, is high and prevention and control measurements should be considered by health authorities.

Keywords:

Horse , Strangles , ELISA , Streptococcus equi , Kerman , North Khorasan