Strangles is a highly contagious and significant endemic disease affecting the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry, with serious implications for foal health, welfare and productivity. This project developed and validated a rapid, speciesspecific pointofcare diagnostic test using isothermal amplification technology to enable earlier and more accessible detection of strangles. The assay demonstrated strong agreement with laboratorybased diagnostics and provides a practical, costeffective tool to support timely disease management onfarm and in clinical settings. The outcomes strengthen industry capability to manage priority diseases and protect horse welfare under the Thoroughbred Horses Program.