The Singapore Turf Club (STC) have advised that four confirmed cases of Streptococcus equi, also known as Strangles (a non-fatal disease which affects the respiratory system of horses), have been detected at Singapore Racecourse. Racing will, however, continue as per normal.
Four horses trained by Theo Kieser (2) and Mark Walker (2) showed symptoms of Streptococcus equi and were immediately tested. Upon testing positive for Streptococcus equi, the four horses were immediately quarantined and the stables where these four horses were stabled were isolated following isolation orders issued by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) under the Animals and Birds Act.
In addition, another four more horses (Kieser 2, Walker 1, Bruce Marsh 1) have been identified with suspected clinical signs. These horses were also placed in quarantine and the Marsh stables were added to the isolation orders of the AVA.
Horses stabled in these stables were not allowed to come out of the stables as a precaution against the further spread of Streptococcus equi. Streptococcus equi can be spread through the horses’ saliva, body fluids and through contaminated clothing and gear.
As a result, horses stabled at Marsh’s and Kieser’s yards were not able to participate in the races. Walker could, however, continue to race the horses under his charge as the infected horses were not stabled at his main Stable Block but at the Communal Resting Stables which have also been isolated.
A total of 128 horses are currently isolated and barred from trackwork. STC is presently working with AVA on isolation procedures to ensure that the health and well-being of horses under isolation are given the utmost priority as well as to minimise disruption to racing.
STC would like to stress that although Streptococcus equi is contagious, it is not fatal to horses and can be easily treated. In addition, Streptococcus equi cannot be contracted by humans
