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Norfolk equine centre closes amid strangles outbreak
The outbreak was first reported in a new arrival on 5 February.
The World Horse Welfare farm has suspended all horse movements.

An equine rescue and rehoming centre in Norfolk has closed following an outbreak of strangles among its resident horses.

Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, located in Snetterton, has suspended all movement of horses in and out of the farm as it works to prevent the spread of the respiratory disease.

The outbreak was first reported on 5 February, after a recent arrival to the centre tested positive for the highly infectious disease. The affected horse was put into isolation from the herd until it was no longer infectious.

However, following further cases on site, the centre has now been closed to visitors as a precautionary measure.

World Horse Welfare has cancelled all of its planned equestrian events, including a pole clinic. Rehoming will also be suspended until the centre is clear from infection.

While it is not a notifiable disease, strangles is a highly infectious respiratory condition affecting the horse’s upper respiratory tract.

World Horse Welfare says that its team is experienced in managing the disease, and is taking robust action to prevent the spread and protect the wider equine population. Animals which have contracted the disease are receiving treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.

Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre says that it will not hire out the venue for any equine until it is 100 per cent confident there is no further risk.

Malcolm Morley, World Horse Welfare’s director of UK support, said: “Given the nature of the horses World Horse Welfare helps, cases like this are not unexpected, and the team have well-rehearsed biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of disease spread.

“Whilst the risk of strangles spreading off the farm by visitors is extremely low, we felt we should take this additional step and close our doors to visitors whilst we investigate.

“We would like to apologise to everyone who had planned to visit Hall Farm this half term and reassure those who have visited recently that the disease poses no risk to humans.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.