Streptococcus zooepidemicus Infections in Horses

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause opportunistic infections in many animal species, including horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs. The bacteria cause disease when the normal mechanisms with which the body protects itself break down. S. zooepidemicus is actually part of the normal bacterial flora in and on horses’ bodies. It’s responsible for a wide variety of diseases and issues in horses, including pneumonia, abortions, and upper respiratory, wound, testicular, and neonatal infections.
S. zooepidemicus vs. S. equi
S. zooepidemicus is related to S. equi subspecies equi, the causative agent of strangles. Both organisms appear as long chains of cocci (spherical bacteria) under a microscope. Strangles differs from the diseases caused by S. zooepidemicus because S. equi is highly contagious from horse to horse, is typically horse-specific, is always considered pathogenic (causing signs of disease), and is usually limited to an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Conditions Caused by S. zooepidemicus
Pneumonia
Veterinarians consider S. zooepidemicus the most important pathogen associated with pneumonia in horses of all ages. A viral infection, intense training, or prolonged transportation first compromises the horse’s defense mechanisms, enabling S. zooepidemicus—a normal inhabitant of the equine throat and tonsils—to take advantage and establish an infection in the lungs. Concurrent infections with other bacteria often cause further complications TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com. Already have an account?Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.
Start your free account today!
and continue reading.

Related Articles
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with