West Norfolk riding centre locked down after horse disease outbreak
Positive case of strangles forces centre to enforce strict measures
A West Norfolk riding centre for the disabled has entered a six week lock down after one of its horses tested positive for a highly infectious disease.
On Saturday (27 June), the Magpie Centre near Downham Market said there had been a positive case of strangles
Strangles affects animals by causing restricted airways due to swollen lymph nodes, but it does not pose any risk to humans.
The centre, which is based at Wallington Hall, shared on social media: "To protect all horses on site, we are now in a full lockdown and following strict biosecurity measures with guidance from our vets."
The Magpie Centre has operated for more than 30 years, offering riding and carriage driving sessions each week for individuals with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities.
Symptoms and precautions
Symptoms of strangles in horses include a raised temperature, swelling around the jaw, lethargy, depression, low appetite, difficulty swallowing, and a lowered head and neck.
According to the British Horse Society, horses can develop symptoms up to 21 days after contact with the strangles bacteria.
In response to the positive case, The Magpie Centre is closed to volunteers and participants for approximately six weeks to prevent further spread of the disease.