Doctors have recently issued a warning to those who work with horses after a worker contracted Streptococcus Equi from a horse with Strangles and as a result became seriously ill.

This illness is rare in humans but those who are immunosuppressed, recovering from a serious illness, taking antibiotics, pregnant or nursing mothers are at the greatest risk. If identified at an early-stage treatment is relatively simple and the likelihood of a good recovery is greater.

Symptoms Include:

• Cold and Flulike symptoms which do not resolve in 2 to 3 days or with the use of over-the-counter preparations, paracetamol or Lem-sip etc.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• A generalised rash (in some cases).

If you notice any of these symptoms and you have been working with horses which have or are suspected of having Strangles you should advise Management and consult your doctor without delay, not forgetting to tell the doctor that you have been working with a horse which has Strangles.

The Company will advise you if it becomes aware of horses at work which have Strangles. Those in the higher risk groups (above) will be told to avoid these horses.

All employees will be provided with suitable PPE:

• Disposable* Nitrile Gloves which should be used when handling horses known to have Strangles.
• Disposable* Eye Protection and Face Masks should be used if the horse with Strangles has a nasal, eye or mouth discharge.

* Disposable PPE should only be used once, disposed of correctly and changed between handling horses.

You must wash your hands with soap and hot water between handling horses and at the end of each work session. You should launder your clothing at the end of each working day.

If your skin becomes contaminated with nasal, mouth or eye discharge you must wash your skin with hot soapy water.

You must inform management, before you start work, if you handle horses with Strangles away from this workplace.

Further information: Andrew Spence – 0044 7775 913772