As a horse owner in Wisconsin, I've witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of strangles, a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease among horses. Over the past few months, there has been a rise in reported strangles cases across our state, threatening the wellbeing of our beloved equine companions and the industry at large. Despite this growing threat, the current regulations only advise voluntary quarantine, leaving us vulnerable to potential outbreaks and significant transmission.

Strangles is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, which can spread rapidly in areas where horses gather or are kept in close proximity. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and abscesses in lymph nodes—with severe cases leading to respiratory distress. Without a mandatory quarantine policy in place, infected facilities can unknowingly continue to use public arenas and facilities, spreading this contagious disease further.

The absence of stringent quarantine measures undermines our ability to control outbreaks effectively. It endangers not only horses but also the livelihoods of veterinarians, stable owners, and others within the equestrian community. According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, equine industries contribute significantly to our state's economy, making it vital to protect this essential sector by ensuring the health and safety of the animals that drive it.

Mandatory quarantine for infected facilities will ensure quicker containment and limit the spread of strangles. It will also provide affected facilities with resources and guidelines to manage the outbreak, protecting horses and minimizing the economic impact on horse-related businesses and events. Implementing this policy not only safeguards our horses but also reinforces the community's commitment to responsible animal care.

Documented links to confirmed outbreaks should be considered when determining the need for investigation and disease-control measures. The goal is to ensure that all applicable facilities are held to consistent, enforceable biosecurity standards and that the absence of testing does not allow potential disease transmission risks to go unaddressed.

Join us in calling for immediate action. We need our state legislators to recognize the urgent need for mandatory quarantine measures for equine facilities affected by strangles. By signing this petition, you are helping to advocate for a safer environment for all horses in Wisconsin. Let's work together to protect our equine friends and ensure the sustainability of our cherished equestrian community. Please sign and share this petition to make a positive change for Wisconsin's horses.