Vaccination

We recommend all horses and ponies are vaccinated for tetanus and influenza. Breeding mares may also benefit from herpesvirus vaccines. 

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Influenza

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of the respiratory system. It can be spread by direct contact with other horses or through contaminated air/environment. It is so easily spread because a horse can shed it for several days prior to exhibiting any symptoms. 

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There are strict guidelines on the vaccination schedule which are outlined below. Please note if competing for FEI, vaccines will need to be given within 6 months of competition and not within the 7 days prior to competition.

-          A primary course of two injections given between 21 and 92 days apart.

-          A third injection given between 150 and 215 days (5 and 7 months) after the second injection.

-          Annual boosters are required thereafter (must be given within 365 days of previous injection).

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Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by soil borne bacterium Clostridium tetani which can infect any wound no matter how small. It is fatal in 90% of cases and intensive veterinary care is needed in surviving horses for up to 6 weeks. We strongly recommend vaccinating for tetanus. In most cases tetanus vaccine is combined with influenza vaccine so following the above protocol will provide full cover. If vaccinating for tetanus on its own the schedule is as follows:

-          Primary course two injections 4-6 weeks apart

-          First booster within 12 months of the second primary injection

-          Subsequent boosters only needed every 2 years.

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Equine Herpes Virus

There are 5 types of Equine Herpes virus but EHV 1 and EHV 4 are the most clinically important and they are the only types which can be vaccinated against.

EHV 1 and 4 can cause a flu-like respiratory infection in horses but may also cause abortion in pregnant mares and severe neurological disease.

To provide effective immunity against respiratory and neurological disease caused by EHV 1 and EHV- 4 a primary course of 2 vaccinations should be given followed by a booster vaccination every 6 months.

•        1st vaccination: Can be given to any horse over the age of 5 months.

•        2nd vaccination: To be given 4-6 weeks after the 1st vaccination.

•        6 month booster: To be given within 6 calendar months of the 2nd vaccination.

To provide effective immunity against abortion caused by EHV 1 and EHV-4 a course of three vaccinations should be given to a mare during her 5th, 7th and 9th months of pregnancy.