Vaccination protocols will vary depending on each individual situation – with the horse and the stable being the main variables. The following is a list of questions to keep in mind when developing a vaccination protocol:
Core Vaccinations
These are vaccines defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as those “that protect from diseases that are endemic to a region, those with potential public health significance, required by law, virulent/highly infectious, and/or those posing a risk of severe disease. Core vaccines have clearly demonstrated efficacy and safety, and thus exhibit a high enough level of patient benefit and low enough level of risk to justify their use in the majority of patients.” The following vaccines are considered ‘core’ equine vaccines:
Risk-Based Vaccinations
These are vaccines that may be included in a horse’s vaccination schedule if they are deemed necessary after completing a risk-benefit analysis. As mentioned above, the risk of the horse contracting the illness may be less than the risk of the vaccine itself. This is something that should be decided after a thorough discussion with your veterinarian.
Other Important Factors to Keep in Mind
Despite proper vaccination protocols, an infectious disease can still occur. Good management practices plus vaccination are key to reducing and/or preventing disease conditions.
For proper efficacy, the primary series of vaccines and booster doses must be given at the appropriate intervals prior to presumed exposure to disease.
Not all horses respond to vaccinations the same way – each individual horse’s immune system determines how their body will respond to a vaccine, making each horse protected to a different degree and/or duration. Therefore, making some horses more susceptible to disease.
A horse is not immediately protected against a disease once receiving a vaccination. If that horse has never had that vaccine before, they will need to follow the strict guidelines for initially boostering that vaccine. If the guidelines are not followed, then the horse will likely not be fully protected.
It is best to work with a veterinarian to determine what vaccinations are necessary for your situation, and at what interval these vaccines should be given.
Although rare, there is the potential for adverse reactions to a vaccine, despite the vaccine being handled and administered properly. Adverse reactions can range from swelling and pain at the injection site to signs of colic and hyperthermia (elevated temperature).
Dr. Shantel would love to discuss what vaccination protocol would be best for your horse!
- What is the horses risk of disease – what ages are most at risk, how is the disease transmitted?
- What are the consequences of the disease – how many animals will it affect, does it have a high rate of death, does it have any long term side effects?
- How effective is the vaccination?
- Are there any side effects of the vaccination? If so, do the risks out-weigh the benefits?
- How much does it cost to vaccinate vs. treat the illness?
Core Vaccinations
These are vaccines defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as those “that protect from diseases that are endemic to a region, those with potential public health significance, required by law, virulent/highly infectious, and/or those posing a risk of severe disease. Core vaccines have clearly demonstrated efficacy and safety, and thus exhibit a high enough level of patient benefit and low enough level of risk to justify their use in the majority of patients.” The following vaccines are considered ‘core’ equine vaccines:
- Tetanus
- Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE aka Sleeping Sickness)
- West Nile Virus
- Rabies
Risk-Based Vaccinations
These are vaccines that may be included in a horse’s vaccination schedule if they are deemed necessary after completing a risk-benefit analysis. As mentioned above, the risk of the horse contracting the illness may be less than the risk of the vaccine itself. This is something that should be decided after a thorough discussion with your veterinarian.
- Anthrax
- Botulism
- Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis)
- Equine Viral Arteritis
- Potomac Horse Fever
- Rotaviral Diarrhea
- Snake Bite
- Strangles
Other Important Factors to Keep in Mind
Despite proper vaccination protocols, an infectious disease can still occur. Good management practices plus vaccination are key to reducing and/or preventing disease conditions.
For proper efficacy, the primary series of vaccines and booster doses must be given at the appropriate intervals prior to presumed exposure to disease.
Not all horses respond to vaccinations the same way – each individual horse’s immune system determines how their body will respond to a vaccine, making each horse protected to a different degree and/or duration. Therefore, making some horses more susceptible to disease.
A horse is not immediately protected against a disease once receiving a vaccination. If that horse has never had that vaccine before, they will need to follow the strict guidelines for initially boostering that vaccine. If the guidelines are not followed, then the horse will likely not be fully protected.
It is best to work with a veterinarian to determine what vaccinations are necessary for your situation, and at what interval these vaccines should be given.
Although rare, there is the potential for adverse reactions to a vaccine, despite the vaccine being handled and administered properly. Adverse reactions can range from swelling and pain at the injection site to signs of colic and hyperthermia (elevated temperature).
Dr. Shantel would love to discuss what vaccination protocol would be best for your horse!
