Strangles (Streptococcus equi) has been confirmed in the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Ontario. A 10 year old Quarter Horse gelding developed an acute fever followed by a unilateral swelling behind the jaw which was painful to the touch. Nasopharyngeal swab was positive for S. equi by PCR on February 2, 2026. The horse has been isolated.
The facility owner, working with their veterinarian, has instituted voluntary animal movement restrictions and biosecurity protocols. To see past and present Strangles cases in Ontario go to: https://www.oahn.ca/resources/ontario-equine-disease-alerts/ and enter the disease surveillance portal.