Vaccinations

The following is based on the experience of our veterinarians and the guidelines published by the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners). The current practice of equine vaccination continues to change as research brings us new knowledge every year. The following is intended to be a framework of guidelines; specific recommendations for each horse or farm should be discussed with the veterinarian.

Key points to keep in mind:

1. Vaccinations should be administered at least 2-4 weeks before travel, shows, & exposure to new horses to provide maximum protective effect.

2. Newly arriving horses should be quarantined from the rest of your herd for at least 14 days.

3. Each horse’s immune system is different; each horse is not protected to an equal degree or for an equal duration following vaccination.

4. Core vaccinations (recommended for all horses) are Tetanus, Sleeping sickness or Encephalomyelitis (East/West + West Nile), and Rabies. All of the above are available at our hospital in one 5 way combination injection, ie "CORE VACCINE"

5. Vaccination is a medical procedure; any medical procedure carries risk. If an adverse reaction does occur, our vaccine manufacturers strongly support our doctors in helping to resolve the matter; this support may not occur if the vaccine is administered by someone other than the veterinarian. Rabies vaccine can only be administered by our staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIFFERENT RISK CATEGORIES OF HORSES:

1. LOW RISK PREVIOUSLY VACCINATED ADULT HORSES (isolated with no exposure to new or travelling horses):
- CORE Vaccination (Tetanus, West Nile, Eastern/Western, and Rabies). Vaccinate annually, preferably in the Spring.

2. MEDIUM RISK PREVIOUSLY VACCINATED ADULT HORSES (isolated, except low risk exposures; i.e. annual poker ride or trail riding with groups, exposure to small number of horses or travelling horses):
- CORE Vaccination (Tetanus, West Nile, Eastern/Western, and Rabies). Vaccinate annually, preferably in the Spring.

- Rhinopneumonitis (Eq Herpes virus) + Influenza [=Rhino/flu ]: Vaccinate 2-4 weeks before exposure event(s), usually spring time. Repeat Annually, or every 6 months if exposures continue throughout the year.

3. YOUNG ADULT AND HIGH RISK PREVIOUSLY VACCINATED ADULT HORSES (horses less than 5 years of age, performance and competition horses, horses in boarding, or exposure to large number of horses or to travelling horses):
- CORE Vaccination (Tetanus, West Nile, Eastern/Western, and Rabies). Vaccinate annually, preferably in the Spring.
- Rhinopneumonitis (Eq Herpes virus) + Influenza [=Rhino/flu ]: Vaccinate every 6 months.
- Strangles-intranasal: Vaccinate every 12 months.(See notes below)

4. YOUNG ADULT + ADULT HORSES PREVIOUSLY UNVACCINATED, OR OF UNKNOWN VACCINATION HISTORY
- CORE Vaccination (Tetanus, West Nile, Eastern/Western, and Rabies). Administer 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart, except the second dose would NOT include Rabies. We have a 4-way that excludes the Rabies. Continue annually thereafter.
- Rhino/flu: Give 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart, then continue every 6 months thereafter.
- Strangles-intranasal: Give 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. (See notes below), then annually thereafter.

5. PREGNANT MARES
- Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) 1 and 4 [brand: Pneumabort]: Vaccinate at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation.
The following, given 4-6 weeks before foaling (prepartum), are vital to protect the newborn:
- CORE Vaccination (Tetanus, West Nile, Eastern/Western, and Rabies).
- Rhino/flu

6. FOALS
Newborns:
- Tetanus Antitoxin ( please consult with the veterinarian first)
At 4 months of Age:
- CORE Vaccination (Tetanus, West Nile, Eastern/Western, and Rabies). Give 3 doses, 4-6 weeks apart. Rabies is not needed in the 2nd and 3rd doses; we have a 4 way without Rabies.
- Rhino/flu: Give 3 doses, 3-4 weeks apart.
At 9 months of Age:
- Strangles: If determined that the foal will be at risk give 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. (See Notes Below)
**Note: initial vaccination of foal born later in the season (May or later) may be delayed until the following spring.

STRANGLES VACCINE NOTES

1. This intranasal vaccine should be considered for young horses, high risk adults( see above category), or for any horse kept at premises where Strangles has previously occurred.
2. This vaccine can be administered only by a veterinarian. Handling and administration of the vaccine carries some risks as it is a live bacterial vaccine.
3. A two dose series is required when starting any horse on this vaccine for the first time.
4. Horses previously infected with Strangles and recovered have a good immunity that persists for 5 years in over 75% of horses
5. A diagnostic test is available and may be used to assess the level of a horse’s immunity (Antibody levels), to provide a guideline in determining the need for future vaccination. This may be recommended when starting a new horse on the vaccine.

This information is available to print from the forms page.