Important Update: Strangles is confirmed in two new arrivals in quarantine.
We want to keep our supporters, visitors and the wider equestrian community informed about a recent development at Hope Pastures.
Two new rescue donkeys, Boss and Biscuit, who arrived from the Huddersfield area and went straight to our quarantine facilities, which are separate from our main yard and other equines, have tested positive for strangles (Streptococcus equi). Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Please be reassured that this is currently contained to our isolation area, not an outbreak at Hope Pastures.
Boss and Biscuit never entered our main site.
As a rescue charity, we are at higher risk of receiving equines that may carry infectious diseases, sometimes without obvious signs when they first arrive. This is why our strict quarantine and bio-security procedures are so important.
As standard practice, we isolate all new arrivals; Boss and Biscuit went straight into our dedicated isolation unit, away from our resident equines. All new equines undergo a full health check and guttural pouch wash before they can leave isolation, helping us identify strangles and protect the animals already in our care.
Following positive results, Boss and Biscuit remain fully isolated from our resident equines and are receiving veterinary care from our Aireworth Vets Equine. We will continue to follow strict biosecurity measures to manage and minimise the risk of transmission.
Our resident equines are having daily temperature checks so that we can closely monitor their health and quickly identify any potential concerns
Temporary changes at Hope Pastures
With immediate effect, we are suspending all equine movements to and from the site. This means:
Following discussions with vets and strangles expert at Redwings, Hope Pastures will remain open to visitors for now, as this is a contained case.
However, this may change at short notice as we continue to monitor the situation.
We ask all visitors to follow any hygiene and biosecurity guidance provided by our team and, importantly, stay away from the quarantined area across the road.
What is strangles?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects horses, ponies, and donkeys
Strangles is highly contagious between equines, but it cannot be passed to people. It can, however, spread through direct contact and contaminated equipment, clothing, and surfaces, which is why our strict biosecurity measures while caring for them are essential.
We know this news may cause concern, but please be assured that we are taking the situation extremely seriously. The welfare of every animal in our care remains our priority, and we are working closely with veterinary professionals to protect our residents and the wider equestrian community.
How can you help us?
Managing a situation like this brings additional costs and requires specialist biosecurity equipment. It will inevitably result in fewer visitors and therefore significantly affect our income.
If you are able to support us during this challenging time, we would be incredibly grateful. You can do so in the following ways.
Help us purchase essential biosecurity equipment via our Amazon Wishlist:
Make a donation to Hope Pastures:
Learn more about strangles here, including signs and symptoms:
Thank you for your understanding, kindness and continued support. By working together and following the necessary precautions, we can help keep Boss, Biscuit and all the equines in our care safe.