Vaccination is a cornerstone of preventative equine healthcare. It not only protects individual horses from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases but also helps to safeguard the wider equine population by reducing the risk of outbreaks.

We believe prevention is always better than cure. Here’s our guide to the essential vaccines every horse owner should know.

Influenza (Equine Flu)

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that can spread rapidly through yards, shows, and competitions. Symptoms include:

• High temperature
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Even with recovery, horses may require weeks off work to regain full health. Regular vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk and severity of infection.

Vaccination Schedule:

• Initial primary course (2 injections)
• Booster at 6 months
• Annual boosters thereafter (some competition bodies require boosters every 6 months)

Tetanus

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which live in soil and enter the body through wounds or punctures. Once infected, the bacteria produce a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system.

Symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Convulsions
• In severe cases, death

Unlike influenza, tetanus is not contagious—but it is almost always fatal if unvaccinated. The good news is the vaccine is extremely effective.

Vaccination Schedule:

• Primary course (2 injections)
• First booster at 12 months
• Ongoing boosters every 2 years

All horses, whether they compete or not, should be protected against tetanus.

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)

EHV is a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness, abortion in pregnant mares, and, in rare cases, neurological disease. There are two main types we vaccinate against: EHV-1 and EHV-4.

Common symptoms include:

• Coughing and nasal discharge
• Fever
• Poor performance
• Abortion (in pregnant mares)

Vaccination is especially important for horses in breeding programmes or those in contact with pregnant mares.

Vaccination Schedule:

• Two primary injections 4 weeks apart
• Six-monthly boosters recommended for horses in high-risk environments
• In pregnant mares, boosters are given during the 5th, 7th and 9th months of gestation

Sweet Itch (Insol® Vaccine)

Sweet itch, or insect bite hypersensitivity, is a common allergic reaction to midge bites. Horses with sweet itch experience intense itching, hair loss, skin thickening, and discomfort, particularly in the warmer months.

The Insol® vaccine is a newer desensitisation treatment designed to help horses build tolerance to the allergens in midge saliva.

Key Points:

• Two primary injections 4 weeks apart in January/February
• Annual boosters thereafter
• Particularly beneficial for horses with recurring or severe sweet itch

Strangles (Strangvac®)

Strangles, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi equi, is a highly contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. It often leads to:

• Fever
• Nasal discharge
• Swelling and abscesses of the lymph nodes
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing in severe cases

While good biosecurity is vital, vaccination can help reduce both the severity and spread of the disease.

Vaccination Schedule:

• Two initial injections, 4 weeks apart
• Annual boosters thereafter

Strangles is a serious welfare concern in group environments like livery yards, riding schools, and shows, making vaccination a wise precaution.

Final Thoughts

Vaccination is a simple, affordable way to protect your horse from preventable illness. From the well-known threats of flu and tetanus to the specific challenges of EHV and sweet itch, regular vaccination supports long-term health and peace of mind.

If you’re unsure whether your horse is up to date, or if you’re interested in learning more about the Insol® vaccine for sweet itch, get in touch with our team today.