There are a number of vaccinations available for horses; however, the most common diseases to vaccinate against are equine influenza and tetanus. It is becoming increasing common, particularly on larger competition yards or studs, to vaccinate against equine herpes virus routinely.
Vaccination has two aims:
Disease protection: This may not be a complete absence of disease, but rather a significant reduction in the severity of illness the animal will experience; and
Reduce disease spread: If a great enough proportion of the total population of horses are vaccinated against a given disease, it is possible to protect the entire population so effectively (herd immunity), that eradication may even be feasible.
Common side effects include muscle stiffness or soreness, mild and transient increase in body temperature, and occasionally lumps or even abscesses at the site of injection. In the vast majority of these circumstances, these effects resolve fully within 48hrs. If you have concerns about vaccinations in general, or you wish to discuss this with your vet, please give us a call.
The equine influenza virus is still commonly found in the equine population worldwide with several cases every year being reported in the UK. Equine influenza outbreaks can be devastating within an unvaccinated population, carrying a significant fatality rate; however, vaccination is robust and reliable.
Equine influenza (‘flu) is virulent and spreads incredibly rapidly amongst the population. The is an airborne disease and given the correct weather conditions can spread significant distances between premises, resulting in rapid and widespread disease.
Signs of ‘flu include coughing, clear to mucky nasal discharge, swollen glands, increased temperature, swollen limbs, inappetence, poor performance, amongst others.
Whilst the protection afforded to horses by the ‘flu vaccination is highly effective, it does not last for very long. In most horses, protection against illness in the individual will last around a year; however, protection of the herd by reduction of virus shedding will only last up to six months. This is why regular vaccination is essential, and explains the need to vaccinate those individuals who have high exposure risk (e.g. competition under FEI rules) on a six monthly basis.
Boosters: Within one year of previous vaccine AND within 6 months + 21 days of competition
Tetanus is caused by a bacteria Clostridium tetanus found commonly in the environment. It results in a rapid onset, usually fatal spastic paralysis, colloquially known as ‘lock jaw’. Once contracted, the disease is incredibly difficult to treat. Unfortunately, by the time clinical signs are apparent, this is often too late.
Fortunately, vaccination against tetanus is incredibly effective. Vaccinations can be given for tetanus alone, or often as a combined vaccination with ‘flu.
There are five different forms of this virus, each resulting in a different set of clinical signs. Equine herpes virus (EHV) 1 and 4 are the forms that are possible to protect against. Both EHV-1 and EHV-4 are associated with respiratory disease; however, neurological disease and abortion can also result. As it is so prevalent within the equine population and the consequence of the neurological form of the disease is so severe, often resulting in death, vaccination (ideally of the whole herd) is recommended, particularly for those yards where some any horse is in regular competition work or residing at stud.
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