Vaccinations

Vaccines are preparations of killed microorganisms, living weakened microorganisms, etc. introduced into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease by causing the formation of antibodies.

Vaccines are very delicate compounds, which if handled or administered incorrectly will be ineffective or neutralized.

Most vaccines are administered initially as a two-shot series and then annually or semiannually.

The vaccines and vaccine protocols listed below are tailored to our practice and geographic location and follow the guidelines of the AAEP.

Eastern & Western Encephalomyelitis: Encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.  The vaccine is very effective against the disease. We recommend vaccinating initially with 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart with annual boosters thereafter. Foals should be started at 6-9 months of age.

Tetanus Toxoid: Tetanus is a disease caused by a specific toxin of a bacillus (Clostridium tetani) which usually enters the body through wounds. It is characterized by spasmodic contractions and rigidity of some or all of the voluntary muscles (especially of the jaw, face and neck). The bacteria is found in horse manure. The vaccine is very effective and administered once yearly. The vaccine is boostered in case of  laceration, surgery, or penetrating wounds.

Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of  mammals. It is transmitted through contact with the saliva of infected animals. It is 100% fatal. The vaccine is given once yearly and is very effective.

West Nile Virus: West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.  We recommend initially vaccinating adults horses with 2 doses 3 weeks apart before the beginning of mosquito season, usually in April. To achieve the best protection, horses should be boostered in July, because the peak infectious time appears to be in August. Thereafter, boosters in April and July provide the highest level of immunity possible. For foals born to vaccinated mares, we recommend vaccinating with 2 doses 3 weeks apart beginning when the foal is 6 months old.  Foals born to nonvaccinated mares, should be vaccinated with 3 doses 3 weeks apart beginning at 2 months of age.

Rhinopneumonitis: Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which causes respiratory infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not 100% effective.  Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 5, 7 and 9 months from the breeding date using a killed EHV 1p and 1b product. Horses that are travelling to shows, races, sales, etc. should be vaccinated every 3 months. Pleasure horses that do not travel should be vaccinated twice a year. The vaccine does not protect against the neurologic form of the disease.

Influenza:Influenza is a virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection. The vaccine is not 100% effective. Horses travelling to shows, sales, racing events, etc... should be vaccinated every 3 months. Horses that do not travel should be vaccinated at least twice a year.

Potomac Horse Fever(PHF): Potomac Horse Fever is caused by the parasite Ehrlichia risticii. Horses are infected through small land snails that carry the parasite. It is not contagious and occurs more commonly in wet areas. The disease causes high fever, laminitis, and severe diarrhea. The vaccine is fairly effective and is administered once a year. It is administered 2-4 x yearly in problem areas. Potomac Horse Fever is not considered a problem in this area.

Strangles:Strangles is a bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious and causes the following signs: high fever, abscessed lymph nodes,and respiratory infection. Horses may develop guttural pouch infections, sinus infections, purpura hemorrhagica, laryngeal paralysis, and bastard strangles. There is an intranasal vaccine which is more effective than the intramuscular vaccine. The vaccine is given once a year except in endemic barns (that have frequent outbreaks) where semiannual vaccination is recommended.