How to Disinfect the Stall of a Horse With Strangles

Outbreaks of infectious disease can be catastrophic to horses living in a barn. Diseases, such as strangles, horse pox and influenza, are highly communicable and extreme care should be taken to treat the sick horse and protect the healthy ones. The bacterial infection called strangles, also known as distemper or shipping fever, is particularly destructive. As soon as a horse is diagnosed with strangles, it should immediately be moved into quarantine.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach, Pine Sol, Tego or soda crystals
  • Clean buckets for wash water
  • Sponges and scrub brushes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Become familiar with the symptoms of strangles. Symptoms of strangles include swollen and infected lymph nodes in the jaw and throat, high fever (103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), nasal discharge, cough, inflamed lymph glands, and difficulty swallowing. If the infection is allowed to progress, the lymph glands may abscess and burst on the outside of the horse's throat.

    • 2

      Move the horse to quarantine immediately when symptoms of strangles appear. Make an appointment with the horse's veterinarian as soon as possible.

    • 3

      Using a disinfectant diluted in water--bleach, Pine Sol or soda crystals--scrub down everything in the stall with a sponge or scrub brush. This includes all wood, fittings, food and water buckets, latches, and anything else the horse had contact with.

    • 4

      Disinfect any tool or piece of equipment used before, or after, the horse was moved to quarantine. All combs and brushes, hoof picks, halters and fly masks must be disinfected using the same methods as used in the stall.

    • 5

      Disinfect yourself each time you have contact with contaminated stalls, tools or the sick horse. Keeping a bucket of disinfectant nearby is a good idea. That way you can sponge yourself off conveniently. Coveralls should be worn to protect your clothes while assisting with the contaminated area or horse.

    • 6

      Clean and disinfect all tack the horse had contact with. If the tack has no value, burn it.

    • 7

      Return the horse to its stall when the veterinarian declares the horse healthy. The disinfection process should be repeated in the quarantine stall.