08/07/2026
Waikato Strangles Update – Please Stay Vigilant.
We are aware of the recent cases of Strangles affecting horses in the Waikato region. While the outbreak is currently centred on training and pre-training properties, Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can spread through horse-to-horse contact, contaminated equipment, clothing, footwear and transport.
If you are attending rallies, competitions or travelling with horses, now is the time to be extra vigilant.
Good biosecurity practices include:
Do not take a horse that is unwell to any event.
Monitor horses daily for signs of illness, including fever, nasal discharge, swollen glands, coughing or loss of appetite.
Do not share water buckets, feed bins, tack or grooming equipment.
Clean and disinfect floats, equipment and gear after use.
Wash hands and change clothing and footwear between properties where practical.
If you suspect your horse may have Strangles, isolate it immediately and contact your veterinarian before moving the horse.
At this stage, NZPCA is not placing restrictions on rallies or events. However, we encourage all Clubs and members—particularly those in or travelling to and from the Waikato region—to review their biosecurity practices and make sensible, informed decisions based on local circumstances.
Thank you for helping protect the health and well-being of New Zealand's horses.