Stables in lockdown after horse disease outbreak

A riding for the disabled centre has gone into a six-week lockdown after one of its horses tested positive for a highly infectious respiratory disease.

On Saturday, the Magpie Centre based at Wallington Hall near Downham Market, Norfolk, said there had been a positive case of strangles at the centre.

Strangles is a disease that causes airways to become restricted by swollen lymph nodes in animals, but it cannot be passed to humans.

On social media, The Magpie Centre said: "To protect all horses on site, we are now in a full lockdown and following strict biosecurity measures with guidance from our vets."

The Magpie Centre has been running for more than 30 years and delivers more than 130 riding and carriage driving sessions each week including for young children and adults living with physical, sensory and learning disabilities.

Symptoms of strangles in horses include a raised temperature, swelling around the jaw, being lethargic or depressed, a low appetite, difficulty swallowing and a lowered head and neck.

According to the British Horse Society, it can take up to 21 days after a horse has been in contact with the strangles bacteria for it to develop symptoms.

Once a positive case has been identified, horses could be isolated immediately, it added.

The Magpie Centre said: "This centre will be closed for approximately six weeks.

"This means no volunteers or participants are allowed on site during this period."

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