Rita Campbell
A Highland riding centre is on lockdown following an outbreak of the contagious horse disease Strangles.
Highlands Unbridled at Fendom in Tain has closed its yard in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease.
However Highland Council has already received information from other business and horse owners in the Highlands on further suspected strangles cases.
East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Graham Phillips understands the panic has spread from Sutherland as far south as Kingussie. He warned: “This is a very serious issue.”
Strangles is a highly contagious and debilitating disease that affects all ages and breeds of horse worldwide. Caused by a bacterial infection, it is spread by both direct and indirect contact. This means it can be transmitted directly from horse to horse or even transferred by people, and equipment such as grooming kit. Outbreaks occur every year in Scotland.
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “The council is liaising with a licensed riding establishment, Highlands Unbridled, Fendom, Tain, following notification of cases of the Strangles horse disease at the business.
“Officers from the Highland Council’s environmental health team are liaising with the business to ensure appropriate disease control and biosecurity steps are being taken. Our officers are in contact with various organisations including the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency; Scottish SPCA, British Horse Society and veterinary practices to ensure that all necessary procedures are being undertaken to contain the disease.”
She added: “The licensed premises in Tain have closed their yard and the manager is implementing the BHS code on strangles as advised by their vet. Officers are liaising with the business to ensure that appropriate controls are being taken regarding their trail riding activities.”
No-one from Highlands Unbridled was available for comment yesterday.
