(Image: TRIPADVISOR)
A County Durham riding school has gone into partial lockdown after a confirmed case of a highly infectious disease.
Mill House Riding Centre, in Fishburn, said a livery pony at the yard has contracted strangles - an extremely contagious illness that affects the horse's upper respiratory tract.
The riding centre has since suspended all horse movements on and off the site following veterinary advice, while the affected pony is being cared for in isolation.
Strict biosecurity measures have also been introduced at the yard in a bid to prevent the disease from spreading.
In a statement posted on August 20, Mill House Riding Centre said: “Sadly, we are sharing this information to alert local yards, horse owners and anyone who may have had recent contact with our yard.
“We have unfortunately had a confirmed case of strangles. The affected pony is a DIY livery and is currently being managed in isolation under veterinary guidance.”
The centre has introduced a traffic light system for horses at the yard.
The confirmed case has been placed in the red category, while several horses that shared a field with the affected pony have been classified as amber.
Staff said those horses are currently well but are being closely monitored, with strict measures in place.
The riding school horses have been placed in the green category after having no contact with the affected pony. They are considered “low risk” and are also being monitored daily.
The centre added: “Strangles is highly contagious and can spread indirectly via people, clothing, footwear, equipment, buckets and water. Horses can also spread infection before showing obvious signs.
“Movement on and off the yard for all horses is currently suspended in line with veterinary advice.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding during an awful time.”
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Strangles is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi and can lead to a fever, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of appetite and swelling of lymph nodes around the head and neck. The swollen glands can develop into abscesses.
The infection can spread through direct contact between horses, and indirectly through contaminated hands, clothing, footwear, equipment, buckets and water.
The riding centre has not yet confirmed when movement restrictions will be lifted.