Contracting a disease from your horse is rare, but good hygiene practices will help you limit the risk. | Photo: Photos.com

Q: Can Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus be transferred from horses to people? Someone recently told me it can, and now I’m concerned. If humans can catch it from horses, what are the symptoms in people?—Alayne, Nampa, Idaho

A: Streptococcus zooepidemicus is a bacterium that is commonly found in healthy and sick horses. While it is a fairly common cause of respiratory disease in horses (and, uncommonly, other types of infections), it can also be found in the mouth, nose, and throat of healthy horses. This bacterium is different than Streptococcus pyogenes (a Group A Streptococcus), which causes “strep throat” in humans, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, an important cause of respiratory infections and meningitis in people.

Streptococcus zooepidemicus can cause disease in people, but it is very rare. It can range from mild infection to serious eye infections or meningitis. Horses are not the only sources, as human infections have been linked to other species such as dogs and guinea pigs