Equine Vaccines

Eastern and Western Encephalitis - these are "core vaccines", in other words, no matter what your situation, solo horses or large groups, every horse needs this vaccine. At a minimum, twice yearly vaccines, particularly at least 3 weeks before the onset of summer rains and mosquitoes. To be safe many people vaccinate every 4 months with this vaccine - and in risky situations (young horses) and mosquito-prone areas, it's probably a very good idea. There is no treatment effective for Eastern Equine Encephalitis - mortality is almost 100%.

Tetanus - also a core vaccine, every horse needs this. Annual vaccination is recommended, but if it's been over 6 months since a booster, and you notice a wound, a booster is a good idea.

Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis - these are respiratory vaccines. While not core vaccines, there are horses that should be protected. Horses at risk for the flu are show horses, young horses, shipped horses, and horses that tend to congregate in groups. Schedules vary with the risk of exposure - every 4 months for frequent travelers, to every 6 months for less risky situations. Treatment update: We're now recommending switching to the intranasal equine flu vaccine - this vaccine has proven to be much more effective than the older flu vaccines and only requires every 6 months dosing. We are no longer recommending the rhinopneumonitis vaccine for respiratory protection.Strangles - generally only used if going to a barn where this disease has been a problem. The disease, Streptococcus Equi, causes abscesses of the lymph nodes - particularly under the jaw region.

Rabies - just like dogs and cats, we recommend this vaccine strongly - it's given annually

Pneumabort - this is the rhinopneumonitis vaccine used in pregnant mares. Pregnant mares infected with rhinopneumonitis virus in the last half of pregnancy can abort. This vaccine is used in her fifth, seventh, and ninth month of pregnancy.

West Nile Encephalitis - the data supports the use of this vaccine. It should be used in all horses, even pregnant mares, and should be boostered every 4 months after an initial booster series 3 weeks apart.Vaccine Schedules.

 So far, rotation of dewormers is not essential, however it is a good idea to spot check your program by having us run a fecal exam for intestinal parasites. The more horses per acre, the greater the risk of intestinal parasites.Foals between 2 and 6 months should be dewormed monthly.