Strangles case identified at our Norfolk farm
A horse at our Hall farm in Norfolk has tested positive for strangles, a highly infectious respiratory disease.
Posted on 05/02/2025

A recent arrival tested positive for the disease, which means she and any further cases will be kept isolated from the main herd and will stay that way until they recover and are no longer infectious.
Given the nature of the horses we help, cases like this are not uncommon, and the team are well-equipped to manage them effectively.
As is our protocol, all movement of horses both in and out of Hall Farm have been suspended until further notice.
As an added precaution we are also closed to the public until further notice.
Effected animals are receiving the appropriate treatment and all are expected to make a full recovery.
World Horse Welfare Hall Farm Centre Manager Sue Hodgkins said:
“As a precautionary measure, we have suspended horse movements, and we will not be able to hire the school for any equine events until we are 100 per cent confident there is no further infectious risk or cases identified.
“I know it can be scary for horse owners when they hear the word strangles, but we would like to reassure everyone this is something we are very experienced in managing. Our team are well practised in containing and treating the disease, and we are confident this case will be handled effectively.”
Strangles is not a notifiable disease but due to its prevalence and the fact it is so infectious, we are taking robust action to bring its spread to a halt and protect the wider equine population.
Several equestrian events, including a pole clinic due to take place on Sunday (February 9), have been cancelled.
Rehoming from Hall Farm will also be suspended until our rescue and rehoming centre is clear from infection.
Further updates will be posted here and on our social media channels.
For further information on disease prevention see the charity’s advice pages.
Topics
Related News

Our Norfolk farm temporarily closes to visitors
Our Norfolk rescue and rehoming centre closes to the public as more cases of strangles are detected.

This Esme coming to Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre
Come and meet This Esme on Wednesday 2nd August 2023
Recommended Blog Posts

Meet some of our often-unsung heroes on Groom Appreciation Day – Kathryn at Hall Farm
"It can be quite the emotional rollercoaster, ranging from the joy of a horse being rehomed to the perfect long-term home, to the pain of seeing a severely neglected foal lose its battle to live."

Can you cut the costs of horse ownership without compromising on their care?
Chief Field Officer Claire Gordon looks at ways to cut costs without compromising on care.

Reflections on our relationship with the Balmoral Estate
Centre Manager Eileen reflects on Belwade Farm’s connection with Balmoral Estate – the Scottish residence of our late monarch Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – over the years.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now