Finally summer is here, the sun is shining and we all couldn’t be more ready to get out and about…our horses included. With the warmer weather comes mosquitoes and flies who are unfortunately responsible for spreading disease.
It’s an important time of year to evaluate your horse’s vaccination protocol to make sure they are adequately protected.
In general core vaccines protect against diseases that have a high mortality, and treatment if possible, is typically long, costly and non-curative. Additionally, rabies in particular poses a certain public health risk as this is a zoonotic disease which means as the owner you could potentially contract this disease from exposure to an infected horse.
The following vaccine protocols are recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Different protocols would be recommended for a naïve or unvaccinated horse, as well as for foals, or pregnant mares. Have concerns about vaccine reactions? No problem let’s talk about it! There are a variety of different approaches that can be taken to help minimize reactions and I would be happy to help determine the best vaccination approach and protocol for you and your horse.
Core Vaccines | Adult Horse Protocol | Vector |
Tetanus | Annual Every 6 months if injury | Anaerobic bacteria found in the soil |
Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis (EEE/Wee) | Annual – Spring | Mosquitoes |
West Nile Virus (WNV) | Annual – Spring | Mosquitoes |
Rabies | Annual – Spring or Fall | Racoons, skunks, bats, coyotes |