What Vaccines Does My Horse Need?

There is no vaccination program that is appropriate for every horse, every time.  Our goal is to appropriately vaccinate your horse against fatal diseases (core vaccines) and diseases they may come in contact with based on their "job" (non-core vaccines).  Our vaccine programs follow the recommendations of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.  These are recommendations for healthy adult horses who have been vaccinated appropriately in the past.  If you have a new horse with unknown vaccination history, a new foal or pregnant mare our recommendations differ slightly.  We will coordinate a specific program for your individual horse based on their age, overall health, and risk factors!  

Core vaccines protect against diseases that are commonly occur in your region, are virulent or highly contagious, pose a risk of severe or FATAL disease, or have potential public health significance. 

Tetanus is often a fatal disease caused by a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani (C. tetani).  C. tetani organisms are present in the intestinal tract and feces of animals and in the soil.  Spores of C. tetani survive in the environment for many years, resulting in an ever-present risk of exposure of horses and people on equine facilities. Tetanus is not a contagious disease but is the result of C. tetani infection in wounds or exposed tissues such as the umbilicus of foals and reproductive tract of the postpartum mare.  Signs of tetanus include colic, lameness, stiff gait, extended head posture, muscle spasms, recumbency, profuse sweating, and death.

• Annual revaccination
• Revaccinate immediately after a sustained wound or major surgery

Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis are transmitted from birds to horses by mosquitoes.  These viruses cause high fever and progressive neurologic signs (depression, incoordination, staggering, paralysis, stupor) in horses.  The disease is commonly known as sleeping sickness because severely depressed horses will hang their head low with drooping ears, eyelids swollen and partly closed, and tongue hanging from their mouth.  Almost all infected horses die.

• Annual revaccination must be completed prior to vector season in the spring
• Revaccinate at 6 month intervals in areas where mosquitoes are active year-round

Rabies is transmitted to horses through bites from other infected animals, usually wildlife.  Infected horses may appear colicky, have an unexplained incoordination or shifting leg lameness that is followed by extreme weakness.  Animals will eventually become recumbent, followed by coma and seizures.  The disease is rapidly fatal and has considerable public health significance.

• Annual revaccination

West Nile Virus is also transmitted from birds to horses by mosquitoes.  Initial signs are mild fever, decreased appetite, and depression followed by rapid onset of personality changes and muscle tremors.  Neurologic signs are often present and can range from a short, slow-stilted gait to complete paralysis.  30% of infected horses die.

Annual revaccination must be completed prior to vector season in the spring

 

Non-core (risk-based) vaccines are selected based on assessment of risk.  They will vary between individual horses, populations, and geographic location. 

Rhinopneumonitis (Equine Herpesvirus type 1 and type 4) causes respiratory disease characterized by fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, and cough.  EHV-1 can potentially cause neurologic disease and abortions.

• Annual revaccination for horses over 5 years (for horses less than 5 years of age revaccinate every 6 months)

Equine Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses.  It is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly from infected animals or equipment.  Signs include nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and cough.

• Annual revaccination for most horses (horses constantly at risk for exposure should be revaccinated every 6 months)

Potomac Horse Fever is an intestinal disease caused by Neorickettsia risticii, an intracellular parasite.  Signs are variable but may include fever, mild to severe diarrhea, laminitis, mild colic, decreased gut sounds, and abortion in mares infected during gestation.  The disease is seasonal, occurring between late spring and early fall, with most cases in July, August, and September at the onset of hot weather.  If the disease has been diagnosed on a farm it is likely that additional cases will occur in future years.

• Revaccination at 6-12 month intervals (3-4 month intervals in endemic areas) 

Strangles is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi.  It is transmitted by direct contact with infected horses or equipment.  Signs include fever, difficulty chewing feed, decreased appetite, swelling below jaw, and nasal discharge.

• Revaccination at 6-12 month intervals 

Give us a call today to schedule vaccines for your horses or if you have questions about what vaccines your horse needs!