Strangles Confirmed in Los Angeles County: Why Vaccination Matters
A new case of strangles has been confirmed at a boarding facility in Los Angeles County, California. The December 17, 2025 report from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) details a confirmed case in a 16-year-old Gypsy gelding who was unvaccinated against the disease.
Case Details
According to the EDCC alert, the affected horse showed clinical signs including fever and anorexia starting December 14, 2025. The case was confirmed on December 17, 2025. The horse has since recovered, but the facility remains under voluntary quarantine with 1 additional suspected case and 3 exposed horses.
The key takeaway: this horse was unvaccinated.
The Data Tells a Clear Story
When we analyzed all strangles cases in our database where vaccination status was reported, the results are striking:
- 74% of cases occurred in unvaccinated or undervaccinated horses
- Only 25% of cases were in vaccinated horses
- Out of 76 cases with known vaccination status: 55 were unvaccinated, 2 were undervaccinated, and just 19 were vaccinated
This pattern holds across multiple diseases. Our analysis of vaccination status across all reported equine disease outbreaks shows:
| Disease | Unprotected Rate |
|---------|-----------------|
| Eastern Equine Encephalitis | 94% |
| West Nile Virus | 91% |
| Strangles | 74% |
| Equine Influenza | 62% |
The message is clear: vaccination significantly reduces your horses risk.
What is Strangles?
Strangles (Streptococcus equi) is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract. It causes:
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes that can abscess
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing in severe cases
The disease spreads through direct contact, shared equipment, and contaminated water sources. An infected horse can shed bacteria for weeks, even after appearing healthy.
Prevention Steps
1. Vaccinate Your Horses
While no vaccine provides 100% protection, vaccinated horses are significantly less likely to contract strangles, and if they do, often experience milder symptoms. Talk to your veterinarian about whether the strangles vaccine is appropriate for your horse, especially if:
- Your horse travels to shows or events
- Your horse is boarded at a facility with other horses
- There are strangles outbreaks in your area
2. Practice Good Biosecurity
- Quarantine new arrivals for 2-3 weeks before introducing them to your herd
- Do not share equipment - water buckets, feed pans, and tack can spread infection
- Monitor temperatures daily when disease is reported in your area
- Isolate sick horses immediately and call your veterinarian
3. Stay Informed
Use tools like Equine Alert to monitor disease activity in your state. Early awareness of nearby outbreaks gives you time to implement protective measures.
For Horse Owners in Southern California
If you board your horse in Los Angeles County or surrounding areas:
- Ask your barn manager about their biosecurity protocols
- Confirm your horses vaccination status with your veterinarian
- Monitor your horse for signs of respiratory illness
- Report any concerns to your veterinarian promptly
The Bottom Line
This latest strangles case is a reminder that preventable diseases continue to affect horses when basic precautions are not taken. The data is clear: vaccination works. While it is not a guarantee, it dramatically reduces your horses risk of contracting strangles and many other equine diseases.
Talk to your veterinarian today about ensuring your horse is up to date on vaccinations. It is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your horses health.
--- Stay updated on equine disease outbreaks in your area by visiting our state pages or signing up for alerts.