As a responsible equine owner, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to keep your horses healthy and comfortable. While providing it with the proper day-to-day care such as feeding and exercise is important, its overall health goes far beyond this. One of the most effective ways of protecting your horse’s immune system is by getting vaccinations.
Vaccines work by introducing a small, weakened part of a virus into your horse’s body, allowing its internal defense systems to learn how to deal with it in case it is ever naturally exposed to these diseases. Knowing what vaccinations are available, what they protect against, and why they are needed is an important part of properly caring for our horses.
By having regular vaccinations for preventable illnesses, you will be giving your horse an opportunity of leading a longer and happier life – something every horse owner wants for their much-loved animal.
Vaccinations are a simple yet powerful way to make sure that horses have the best protection against infectious diseases. It provides them with immunity, meaning their body can fight off these potentially fatal illnesses that can make them very unwell.
Equine flu and tetanus are two of the most common diseases in horses, illustrating why vaccinating your horse certainly has its advantages—in both safety and convenience.
Vaccinations are a simple yet powerful way to make sure that horses have the best protection against infectious diseases. It provides them with immunity, meaning their body can fight off these potentially fatal illnesses that can make them very unwell.
- Tetanus – can be given to horses 3 months onwards and consists of two primary doses of vaccines given approx. 4 weeks apart. This will then be followed by a 12-month booster and thereafter given at 2-5 years intervals.
- Equine Influenza – This is a yearly vaccination that can be given as a booster at the same time as the yearly tetanus jab. You will not find many yards willing to accept your horse as either a livery or temporarily for competition without having this vaccine administered.
- The ‘Flu and Tetanus vaccinations start with a course of 3 initial vaccinations, followed by annual boosters. If vaccination dates are missed for any reason, the initial course must be restarted to ensure immunity.
- Equine Herpes Virus – The equine herpes vaccination can be given to horses over the age of 5 months old. This is a two-dose vaccination with the 2nd being 4-6 weeks after the first. A booster is then required 6 months later.
- Strangles – This disease commonly affects younger horses however horses of any age can contract this virus. Once your horse has received the initial dose of this vaccine it will require another one approx. 4 weeks later to be fully protected. Yearly boosters are then advised going forward (1).
There are several reasons why horses should get their vaccines. Here are some of the most important ones to take note of:
- To prevent unnecessary suffering and to promote horse health.
- To prevent additional unplanned expenses – the costs of treatment can far outweigh the costs of vaccination.
- To prevent loss of use – an unwell horse should not be ridden or exercised until it has completely recovered.
- To prevent yard closures and sporting cancellations – horse movements in a yard may have to be restricted or canceled if diagnosed with an infectious disease.
- To prevent the spread of disease.
While a one-size-fits-all schedule for equine vaccinations may seem appealing, the reality is that horses are individuals with varying needs when it comes to preventative care. Factors such as horse age, location, and if they travel need to be taken into consideration when determining the best vaccination plan.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides guidelines for a set of core vaccines – vaccinations that protect from diseases endemic to a region, those with potential public health significance, required by law, and commonly used by veterinarians.
However, it’s important to remember that every horse is unique and may require additional protection depending on its situation – which may include anesthetic drugs along with the risk of disease transmission in high-density environments like boarding stables or shows.
Therefore, it’s essential to critically evaluate available options and weigh the costs of each vaccine against its benefits as well as any potential vaccine reactions and significant damages caused by disease outbreaks.
Yes. Equine Influenza Virus is a potentially fatal disease and sadly, in 2019, there was an outbreak in the UK and Europe. Although outbreaks of this kind are not common, it highlighted the importance of vaccinating horses against flu as it can travel up to 5 kilometers under the right conditions.
Vaccination is our best defense against tetanus too. Having your horse vaccinated isn’t just an added precaution or formality – it is something that will lay crucial groundwork for protection against catastrophic illnesses.
Watching your horse become ill through equine influenza or tetanus can be an incredibly distressing experience, but proper vaccinations will give you peace of mind knowing you’ve done your best to protect your horse.
In the vast majority of horses who receive modern equine vaccines, there are no adverse reactions whatsoever. For the other vaccines, occasionally, a small lump may appear the next day at the site of injection. This may be sore for a few days but usually disappears, either on its own or with warm bathing and massage, which may be helpful.
Much less commonly, an abscess may develop at the site of vaccination. This will require warm bathing and veterinary treatment. Occasionally, some horses appear’ off color’ for a day or two after vaccination.
It is always sensible to give a horse a couple of “easy” days after vaccination. This just means that the horse should not be stressed by travel or strenuous exercise (2).
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has general guidelines for all horses, however, some modifications need to be taken into consideration depending on whether the horse is an adult, a broodmare, or a foal (one born less than one year ago).
An experienced veterinarian who knows the individual animal should provide you with a protocol if you’re unsure of your horse’s needs, as this will depend on the area where you live and your horse’s medical history.
Remember that it takes several weeks after the vaccine is given for it to fully protect your fur pal, so plan accordingly based on weather conditions and any travel plans. Vaccinating your horse on time is critical to ensure its safety and yours too!
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