Infectious diseases are a major cause of equine pain and death. Vaccination is one of the most significant tools we have for reducing these diseases in horses. Today, our Mount Vernon vets discuss important horse vaccines and a horse vaccine schedule.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious disease in horses is most commonly caused by bacterial and viral species. These organisms, known as "infectious agents," are spread in a variety of ways, including direct contact with horses, ingestion, inoculation into wounds, transmission by insects, and many others.
Vaccines are made by combining a specific infectious agent, either killed or inactivated and active, with a delivery liquid. A vaccination agent contains an agent (or a portion of an agent) that encourages the immune system to create antibodies against the disease.
Core Horse Vaccines
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) lists 4 yearly horse vaccinations as 'core vaccines.' These include the West Nile Virus, Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis (also known as sleeping sickness), tetanus, and rabies.
EWT/WN Vaccine (Annual - Spring)
EWT/WN protects against Eastern and Western Encephalitis, Tetanus, and West Nile Virus. This is a four-way vaccination, which mixes various vaccines in a single intramuscular injection. You can administer each of these immunizations separately, but the convenience of a single IM dose is enticing. Because horses are very sensitive to tetanus, this is a vital immunization to receive for your horse every year.
Rabies (Annual - Spring or Fall)
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, rabies immunization is one of the 'core' vaccines that every horse should have on an annual basis. Rabies can cause neurologic abnormalities in horses, making them appear 'dumb.' Any horse that dies as a result of neurologic episodes is a candidate for rabies testing and should be treated with utmost caution to avoid rabies exposure.
Risk-Based Vaccines
Risk-Based Vaccines are suggested in specific conditions when the risk of contracting the disease in question outweighs any disadvantages of using the vaccine. The use of risk-based vaccines may differ regionally, between populations within an area, or between individual horses within a given community. When to use these immunizations should be decided jointly by you and your local veterinarian.
These vaccinations can be given annually or semi-annually, and include diseases like Equine Flu, Equine Herpes (also known as rhino), Strangles, and Potomac Horse Fever.
Flu/Rhino (Semi-Annual - Spring & Fall)
Influenza/rhinopneumonitis vaccination is not one of AAEP's "core" vaccines, but it is strongly recommended on a semi-annual basis. Flu and Rhino are both contagious respiratory infections that spread from horse to horse. The Flu/Rhino vaccine may be unnecessary if your herd is mostly isolated and rarely travels. While this is an intramuscular vaccine, there is also a popular intranasal influenza vaccine.
Strangles (Annual - Spring)
Strangles is a bacteria that causes regional and systemic lymph node abscessation, resulting in purulent or pus discharge from the nostrils. Your horse will have a high fever, and you will frequently hear a hacking, strangled sound as he breathes, thus the term. Strangles are usually not life-threatening, but they can be. It can be fatal if the bacterium infects the internal lymph nodes or if the regional lymph nodes in the throat clasp and obstruct the airway.
Potomac Horse Fever (Semi-Annual - Spring & Fall)
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) is a localized bacteria with an expanding distribution. It's a bacterial infection that horses get from eating dead mayflies and other insects and can cause fatal diarrhea. Although most common in the northern United States, there has been a surge in recent years in other areas of the country. Horses that have PHF but have been vaccinated appear to be less unwell than horses that have never been immunized. You should consult with your vet to decide if the Potomac Horse Fever vaccine is right for your horse.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.