Can a pony with strangles exposure but no symptoms be contagious?

Question

2 years ago a pony with strangles came to our field it was immediately isolated so had no contact with my pony until weeks after it was given the all clear. My pony never became ill nor did the other 2 in their group. Now Another pony having bloods before going to stud has shown to have had contact with strangles. Owner saying my pony(s) are to blame because of association with the previous pony. Mine didn't have bloods done because they never became ill and vet said they didn't need to. Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Female | 7 years and 9 months old

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Exposure to the infection may result in a positive PCR test, but does not mean the horse is an active shedder. There could still be dead bacteria present for a long time, which will still be PCR positive but they are not shedding live, viable bacteria that can infect another horse. To blame one horse over another is pretty silly, especially if the PCR positive pony has ever lived anywhere else. This may be something to discuss with your veterinarian who might suggest doing some nasal cultures, but if your animals have always been healthy, then it is up to the stud owner to pay for the testing. Otherwise, I really do not know what they hope to accomplish by blaming your horses. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Can a pony with strangles exposure but no symptoms be contagious?

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