With equine influenza continuing to circulate in parts of the UK, veterinary experts are also reporting a significant rise in strangles cases. The trend is especially relevant for freelance grooms and mobile equine professionals who work across multiple yards and handle different horses on a daily basis.
In the first five months of this year, 260 strangles cases have been formally diagnosed—already exceeding the total recorded for the whole of 2023. Analysis of Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES) data by veterinary pharmaceutical company Dechra suggests that, if current rates continue at around 52 confirmed cases per month, total diagnoses could reach approximately 600 by the end of 2026.
Higher Risk for Mobile Equine Work
Both equine influenza and strangles are highly contagious diseases that can spread quickly through direct horse contact, as well as indirectly via tack, grooming equipment, clothing, and human movement between yards.
For those working in freelance or mobile roles, frequent travel between premises and contact with multiple horses increases the potential risk of disease transmission if strict hygiene practices are not consistently followed.
As a result, biosecurity is increasingly viewed as a core professional responsibility within mobile equine services.
Key Biosecurity Considerations
To reduce risk when working across different yards, standard precautions include:
- Cleaning and disinfecting hands, boots, clothing, and equipment between visits
- Avoiding sharing grooming tools unless they have been properly sanitised
- Monitoring horses for early signs of illness such as fever, nasal discharge, coughing, or swollen lymph nodes
- Reporting any concerns promptly to clients and, where appropriate, veterinary professionals
- Supporting isolation of new or returning horses to a yard
Vaccination also plays an important role in reducing disease impact. The strangles vaccine, Strangvac, has been shown to protect up to 94% of vaccinated horses, with studies suggesting it may also help reduce disease severity during outbreaks.
Industry Perspective on Disease Monitoring
Dr Abigail McGlennon from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) group noted that equine flu and strangles are monitored in different ways—flu through outbreak reporting and strangles through laboratory-confirmed diagnoses—but both provide important insight into disease trends across the UK equine population.
She highlighted four key actions for disease control: vaccinate to build immunity, isolate new or returning horses, investigate clinical signs early, and communicate confirmed cases quickly to yards, owners, and veterinary teams to support monitoring and containment.
Veterinary advisor Dr Mary Battersby of Dechra added that increased horse movement during busier times of year can contribute to faster disease spread, reinforcing the need for consistent preventative routines.
Implications for Freelance Equine Professionals
For those working across multiple yards, the latest data reinforces the importance of maintaining consistent biosecurity standards as part of everyday practice. Strong hygiene routines and clear communication with clients help reduce risk and support wider efforts to control infectious disease within the equestrian sector.