The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported confirmed cases of equine strangles in Saginaw and Clare Counties.

In Saginaw County, a 9-year-old Quarter Horse mare had clinical signs of coughing and difficulty swallowing. She was confirmed with strangles on February 22 and is recovering.

In Clare County, three horses were confirmed with strangles at one location. One Quarter Horse mare that was positive had onset of clinical signs on March 25. There are approximately 30 horses at the facility, and nine additional horses have clinical signs consistent with strangles, but have not been tested.

Horses at this facility were exposed to a confirmed strangles-positive horse about 45 days ago.

Information for this report was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.