VACCINATIONS

We recommend basic vaccinations for every horse, a yearly physical exam & further consultation to develop an individualized vaccine protocol to fit the use of the horse & environment.

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Why is it important for a veterinarian to visit your farm for Spring Equine Vaccinations?

• Perform Annual Physical Exam
• Establish a Wormer Program
• Review Basic Nutrition
• Evaluate Housing
• Discuss Disease Control & Prevention
• Digital Mouth Exam

CORE EQUINE VACCINES
The following 3 types of Equine Vaccines are recommended as the minimum for ALL horses:

1. Eastern Western Tetanus (EWT)
   Eastern and Western Encephalitis is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes & carried by birds. It can cause death quickly as a result of viral encephalitis, a severe neurological disease (brain is affected). There is no treatment for this virus; once symptoms begin it is usually fatal within 3-5 days. Vaccination Protocol involves an initial vaccine followed by a 30 day booster. Thereafter, it is boostered annually.
   
   Tetanus is transmitted by Clostridium bacteria (anaerobic) found in soil everywhere (in horse’s digestive tract). Horses are more susceptible than other animal and may exhibit symptoms such as stiffness, reluctant to move, prolapsed third eyelid and sensitivity to sound. It is often fatal. Vaccination Protocol involves an initial vaccine then followed by a 30 day booster. Thereafter, it is given annually or after a horse has been injured and suffered a puncture or laceration wound.
   
2. West Nile Virus (WNV)
   West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and birds. It can cause neurological problems. Vaccination protocol involves initial vaccine followed by a 30 day booster. Thereafter, it is given annually.
   
3. Rabies Vaccination
   Rabies is a deadly, yet preventable, viral disease. Rabies is most often transmitted through the saliva of a rabid mammal such as a skunk, raccoon, bat, fox, coyote, badger or weasel. Rodents and rabbits are considered very low risk for rabies, and there is no risk for rabies from reptiles, birds or insects.
   
   It affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. Rabies attacks the brain causing neurological diesase and is fatal. There is no cure for rabies, but vaccination will provide your horse with a much greater resistance if he is exposed. Symptoms include anything from excitable, vicious behavior to depressed acting and sometimes excessive salivation. There have been outbreaks in Canada and US. Vaccination Protocol is ALL horses should be vaccinated annually.
   
   Other types of Equine Vaccines:
   
4. Flu/Rhino (F/R) –
   Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease transmitted through the air by way of nasal discharge, most common in young animals. Symptoms may include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and off feed.
   
   Rhinopneumonitis is also a high contagious viral disease spread through the air by coughing horses or contact with contaminated feed or water buckets. Usually contracted at shows, races or at training, breeding and boarding facilities. Symptoms can include nasal discharge, fever, lack of appetite, abortion, weak foals and possibly paralysis. Young horses may exhibit snotty noses, cough, poor appetite and increased temperature, while older horses may show similar symptoms or may not show any signs at all. Pregnant mares may abort at 7 to 11 months. Foals born at birth may be weak.
   
   Vaccination Protocol involves initial vaccination followed by a 30 day booster. Flu/Rhino Vaccination is needed more frequently when horses are exposed to many other horses they are not familiar with such as multiple shows, team penning, racing, extended travel, and similar types of situations. The American Association of Equine Practioners (AAEP) recommends vaccination 1-4 times per year depending upon the use of the horse. Further questions can be directed to Dr. Weaver. Pregnant mares receive Pneumabort K at 5, 7 & 9 months gestation.
   
5. Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
   Potomac Horse Fever is a disease that causes diarrhea, fever, off feed abortion and even founder and death. The mode of transportation is unknown, but most likely some type of insect. It is not contagious from horse to horse. Vaccination Protocol is determined based on the environment the horse is housed. The initial vaccine requires a 30 day booster. Thereafter; horses should receive a 100 day vaccination in the Spring and receive a 265 day vaccination in the Fall.
   
6. Strangles
   Streptococcus Equi (Strangles) is transmitted by a bacterial disease found in the environment or by carrier horses. Symptoms are similar to strep throat causing swollen lymph nodes in the throat area & nasal discharge. It is spread through sharing feed & water or direct contact, most often affecting younger horses. Vaccination Protocol involves the initial vaccination then boostered in 30 days. Thereafter, it is given annually.