09/18/2019
We are saddened to hear this news and we believe that this disease would not exist in the wild environment without exposure from infected domestic equines or outside sources.
For this reason, we add onto the AZDA’s statement in their post and caution owners of domestic horses that may be carrying a contagious disease to also avoid the Salt River.
The wild horses do not have a choice and cannot avoid exposure that is coming from the outside. In a normal protocol for a domestic horse diagnosed with strangles, it would be quarantined to stop the spread of infection to other horses. In this environment, it is not possible without removal and loss of freedom, FOREVER. That prospect is beyond heartbreaking to all that love the Salt River Horses and to the wild horses that did not ask for this and deserve to be free.
Wild horses are extremely resilient, we have seen this proven over and over again with natural situations or injuries that appeared to be dire.
This disease however is not natural in the wild environment and we hope that there is a plan in place to limit exposure to the entire herd that has lived on their land for hundreds of years without exposure.
Update 9-18-19: One of multiple samples taken from a Salt River horse has tested positive for Strangles. Please practice appropriate caution if you plan on riding your domestic horse at the Lower Salt River horse.
Below is a link to the American Association of Equine Practitioners about Understanding Equine Strangles if you are interested in learning more about the disease.
https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-equine-strangles
