THE Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Newton Abbot, has been given the all-clear after battling with a deadly outbreak of strangles for months.

The results came through last Friday after all 59 horses had been tested and given the all-clear at Honeysuckle Farm.

The sanctuary’s rehabilitation centre was hit by the disease in April this year meaning it could not rescue more horses.

Despite staff working tirelessly to protect the animals, four horses died.

Equine manager Sally Burton said: ‘It’s such a relief to be able to open the yard again and get back to normal routine.

‘With the yard re-opened we can now continue our vital work, rescuing and rehabilitating horses who are very much in need of our help.’

The sanctuary thanks everyone for their support, help and guidance and everyone who sent in a message of support or financial contribution.The outbreak was confirmed in April 2015 at the rehabilitation centre; strangles is the most commonly diagnosed respiratory disease that affects equines and is a contagious infection in the nose and throat that can cause large abscesses, prevent swallowing and restrict breathing.