Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi From Strangles Suspected Equines: Molecular Detection, Antibiogram Profiles and Risk Factors

Abstract Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is a highly infectious disease of equines causing major health issues and financial losses. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of the SeM gene in Streptococcus equi isolated from equine suspected of having strangles. A cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to December 2022 in five districts of the central Gondar zone, Ethiopia. One-hundred sixty swap samples were taken from animals that had been clinically suspected. The SeM gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction, and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The binary logistic regression model was employed to test for statistical significance. In 31.87% (51/160) of the samples, Streptococcus equi species were isolated, and 31.37% (16/51) of these species carried the SeM gene. There was a significant amount of tetracycline (81.5%), erythromycin (81.5%), and vancomycin (75.5%) resistance among the 16 isolates. Strangles were more likely to be present in animals who shared feed containers (AOR = 7.59; 95% CI = 1.44–39.93), drank from the same water troughs (AOR = 7.74; 95% CI = 1.44–41.01), and spent the night together (AOR = 5.97; 95% CI 1.41–25.37). The findings of this study showed that the research areas harboured Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Sharing feed containers and water troughs were potential sources of strangles infection; thus, these containers need to be cleaned regularly.