Horse riding enthusiasts across the UK have been receiving the news that there will be no strangles inoculations until the end of spring at the earliest.

Strangles is a highly infectious respiratory disorder which is usually characterised by lymph node abscesses and is also known as equine distemper.

When a vaccine for strangles was released in November 2004, it was greeted with much enthusiasm from the equestrian community. However, those same horse riders are now having to get used to the fact it has been temporarily withdrawn from the UK.

The reason for its withdrawal is that of quality control issues which mean it falls below European regulations. Tests showed that it had a slightly lower level of antigens (substances which provoke an immune response) than it should do.

The recall was a voluntary one by manufacturer Intervet, which is looking into the issue and expects UK distribution to resume in two to three months.

Richard Newton, of the Animal Health Trust, advised equestrians not to panic and highlighted the need for the horse riding community to keep high levels of cleanliness at their stables and livery yards.

He said: "The withdrawal is an annoyance but looking at it pragmatically, we didn't even have a vaccine a few years ago. The vaccine was never intended to lull owners into a false sense of security – people must always pay attention to biosecurity and yard hygiene."