Diversity of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains isolated from the Spanish sheep and goat population and the identification, function and prevalence of a novel arbutin utilisation system.

•Streptococcus zooepidemicus associated with mastitis in goats and sheep in Spain.•A novel clonal complex based on sequence type-236 was identified in the majority.•A representative was sequenced and a novel arbutin PTS system was identified.•Functionality of the PTS was confirmed following deletion of the PTS.•Ability to utilise arbutin may have conferred a selective advantage.