A large stable in Howell, Michigan has been quarantined as a result of positive tests on several horses for an equine disease known as "strangles."
Brighton Recreation Area's riding stable which is part of the Brighton Recreation Area State Park will likely be quarantined for four to six weeks.
The name "strangles" was coined due to the strangled breathing sounds made by horses with enlarged lymph glands that are characteristic of the disease.
The disease is caused by Streptococcus equi and horses begin to show symptoms within two to six days after exposure and the characteristic abscessed lymph nodes develop within one to two weeks. The lymph nodes rupture and drain and the drainage is highly contagious to other horses.
The infection can be fatal to horses in some cases, but most recover. Although it is highly contagious to horses, it is not known to be transmittable to humans.
The infection first was diagnosed in a horse at the stables Tuesday after the horse exhibited symptoms of the infection Monday. The riding stable, which hosts about 70 horses, was immediately quarantined, and at least three other horses are known to have symptoms.