My horse has strangles. He is being treated and not sure where he got it. Has been at the same barn with a large herd since May. So far it does not look like any of the others are showing signs. He did not show any obvious signs until the side of his face developed a very nasty abscess very quickly. Backtrack....He has been treated for an infection in his eye with antibiotics and has had some nasty discharge occasionally since but the vet did not seem concerned. He never had a fever , seemed lethargic, coughed or had any nose discharge. He is now quarantined and his abscess seems to be almost gone. I have been reading up on it and am worried he may be a carrier because the abscess was in his " guttural pouch." Has anyone ever heard of this. I would hate to think he had the potential to be spreading this around.

Who diagnosed the horse having strangles?

There are many things it could be with a guttural pouch involved...some of those are serious, a lot more than strangles.
https://largeanimal.vethospitals.ufl...ouch-diseases/
If your horse has not been seen by a licensed vet...might be a good idea.
If it is your vet who diagnosed and is treating, administering medications as needed...
Those who handle the horses, barn-workers, farrier, vet and just those who visit and pet the nose are often a carrier of bacteria and icks from one animal to another.
Ask your vet about your horse being a "carrier" as that should be explored and answered for your peace of mind.
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You need to have that abscess cultured to make sure it is strangles. If not, no worries. If yes, then yes he could be a carrier from way back and only active when under stress.