Equine 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.
  • are very delicate compounds, which if handled or administered incorrectly will be ineffective or neutralized.
  • 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 mosquitoes. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.  The vaccine is very effective against the disease. The protection lasts 12 months and in Connecticut is given once a year in the spring. Horses traveling south for the winter should be boostered in the fall, due to the longer mosquito season. This should be done at least two weeks prior to traveling to ensure time for proper immune response. 

 

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 infects 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 mosquitoes. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.In this area we recommend giving the west nile vaccine once yearly in the spring. Horses that travel to Florida should be boostered  2 weeks before traveling in the fall.

 

Rhinopneumonitis: Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which causes respiratory infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not  100% effective and the protection lasts for a shorter period of time.  Pregnant  mares should be vaccinated at 3.5, 7 and 9 months from the breeding date. Horses that are traveling to shows, races, sales, etc. should be vaccinated every 6 months. Pleasure horses that do not travel may not have to be vaccinated depending on their risk of coming in contact with the virus. The vaccine does not protect against the neuralgic form of the disease.

 

Influenza: Influenza: is a virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection. The vaccine is not 100% effective, and the protection lasts a short period of time. Horses traveling to shows, sales, racing events, etc..should be vaccinated every at least twice a year. Horses that do not travel should be vaccinated depending on their risk of coming in contact with the virus.

 

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 twice a year, spring and fall 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 fairly effective but not 100%. Vaccination is given to horses that are showing/traveling or in a high traffic stable, twice a year, spring and fall.