Watch for our monthly newsletter

 

Your Horses Health: Developing A Wellness Program Starts With Vaccination

By Stacy M. Kenyon, DVM
 
Early spring is the time in our practice that we develop our vaccination and deworming protocols for the coming year and tailor an individual wellness program to fit the needs of your horse(s). To develop the appropriate protocol we take into consideration several important factors. The activities in which you and your horse participate such as trail riding, shows, competitive pulls, clinics and breeding will greatly determine those diseases to which your horses may be exposed. The population of horses in your stable is an important consideration as well. The number of horses, their ages and whether there is movement of horses to and from your farm on a regular basis must be reflected in your wellness protocols. Emerging diseases within our geographic area or an area to which you may travel may warrant new vaccines be added to your regimen each year.
The following is a brief summary of the diseases we feel your horses are most at risk to develop in our practice area.
 
Rabies Virus: Spread primarily by infected wild animals, rabies can infect any horse regardless of travel history or location. Annual vaccination is necessary to provide adequate protection against this fatal disease.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), West Nile Virus( WNV): This family of viruses is carried by mosquitoes and can cause potentially fatal infection of the nervous system. Because these viruses are carried by insects they can infect your horses anytime and anywhere. Vaccination will greatly reduce the incidence and severity of the disease and should be given annually.
Tetanus: The bacteria is found in the soil and releases deadly toxins upon entry into the animal’s body, typically through skin wounds and umbilical cords (newborn foals). Annual vaccination recommended.
Influenza Virus: Infection causes respiratory disease and the virus is spread easily between horses. Those under stress of travel are particularly susceptible. Annual or semi-annual vaccination recommended depending on risk of exposure. A new strain recently identified within the U.S. that seems to be more virulent (more severe symptoms) is a concern, particularly for large stables and those horses that travel extensively. The 4-way vaccine we use includes the most common strain of influenza; this year Merial is introducing a new flu vaccine that incorporates that latest identified strain and it will be one of the topics at our upcoming meeting.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1, EHV-2)/ Rhinopneumonitis: Herpes viral infection has traditionally been associated with respiratory disease and abortions. This virus is easily spread between horses and, like the influenza virus, should be of great concern for those horses that travel or are housed in large stables where horses regularly leave and return. In recent years there has been an alarming increase in a neurologic form of the disease. Infected horses have been identified in many states and outbreaks have occurred in the last year in Florida and California with relatively high mortality rates among those populations infected. Herpes myeloencephalopathy, as the condition is being called, appears to caused by a mutated strain of EHV-1. Current vaccines available provide good protection against the respiratory and abortion conditions caused by this virus and appear to lessen the incidence and severity of the neurologic condition but do not appear to be 100% effective against the neurologic form. Despite the limitations, the American Association of Equine Practitioners strongly encourages horse owners to consider incorporating a herpes vaccine in your wellness program as it will help reduce the chance of an outbreak developing in a given geographic location. 
Potomac Horse Fever: The bacteria that causes Potomac Horse Fever is found primarily near large river areas. In our practice area we recommend all horses residing in St. Lawrence County be vaccinated as well as those that may travel to endemic areas.
Strangles: The respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus equi is all too familiar to those whose stables have experienced outbreaks. Any stable with a history of infection should consider vaccination as well as those who travel to stables of unknown incidence.
 
This list of recommended vaccinations can be lengthy and certainly represent a significant financial investment for you. It is important to remember, however, that old cliché is true: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Especially when dealing with viral diseases there may in fact be no cure and prevention is worth everything. Also, it is important to consider the timing and administration of any vaccination program. It is best to provide vaccinations prior to the time of year of greatest exposure. Early spring is best for most vaccinations before the advent of mosquito season, show season, trail rides, etc. For many of our horses we will need to spread out the series of vaccinations so as not to tax their immune system too severely at one time. My general rule is to give no more than three vaccinations at a time and to allow at least 2 weeks between vaccinations visits. We ask that you factor this into your appointment schedule so that all necessary vaccinations will be given prior your first show or trailer trip. We realize this may necessitate multiple farm visits but the benefits to your horse(s) will be worth the added expense. This year we have partnered with Merial to provide our 4-way, West Nile, Rabies, and Flu vaccines. Merial has been a leader in recombinant technology and its use in their West Nile and Flu vaccine development. We feel their products will provide the best possible protection available.
The health and well-being of your horse truly is our utmost priority and we hope you consider our time at your stable a valuable opportunity to address any concerns or questions.