Vaccinations

In the field of veterinary medicine, there are few things that will protect your horse from the ravages of disease as easily and effectively as immunizations.
Appropriately administered vaccines provide a protective barrier between your animal and an entire medical ward of possible diseases; tetanus, rabies, sleeping sickness, flu, rhino and strangles just to name a few. Vaccinations are the cornerstone of proper heard health management. Vaccines when incorporated into a program that includes regular deworming, annual dentistry, a sound nutritional program, ample supply of clean water, with appropriate housing and pastures will allow you and your horse many happy, healthy and productive years together.

Encephalomyelitis (Sleeping Sickness)
This viral, mosquito borne disease affects the nervous system of your horse (and rarely humans). Most cases are fatal with initial signs resembling a horse that appears sedated: i.e., they look sleepy, tend to stumble and walk through fences prior to becoming recumbent. The most highly publicized encephalomyelitis is West Nile Virus. Equally deadly are the Eastern and Western Sleeping Sicknesses. South of the border, with occasional bouts of the disease seen in Texas is the Venezuelan form. Because of our temperate climate the State of North Carolina recommends twice a year vaccinations.

Tetanus
This disease sometimes called “lock-jaw” is caused by a toxin produced by a common soil inhabitant called Clostridia tetani. Typically this disease is associated with wounds that become infected with this bacterium. Horses appear to be particularly susceptible to the toxin. Humans can also get the disease, however it is not contagious. Following initial immunization followed by a booster in 4+/- weeks, tetanus is typically administered annually. It is not a bad thought to booster this if they cut themselves.

Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (Flu) is perhaps the most common respiratory viral disease in the horse. It is highly contagious with the virus having the ability to be transmitted over distances of thirty yards by way of snorting or coughing. Because of common viral mutations the duration of protection from flu vaccines is short lived and with those horses with high exposure rates, they require vaccination every 3-4 months. If however your horse has infrequent contact with other horses vaccination can be administered twice annually.

Equine Herpes Virus (Rhino)
Equine Herpes Virus commonly known as “Rhino” is also a very common, highly contagious viral disease of horses. There are multiple strains affecting the respiratory system, nervous system and reproductive system causing abortions and the equivalent of genital herpes. The respiratory disease is the most common expression of Rhino and is difficult to distinguish between influenza. In the past few years there have been outbreaks of a particularly virulent strain affecting the nervous system and can be fatal.  To prevent viral abortion the recommendations are to vaccinate with Pneumobort-K at 5, 7 and 9 months of pregnancy. Vaccination with Equine Herpes Type 1&4 are similar to those recommendations for influenza, i.e., every 3-4 months for animals with high exposure potential and twice yearly for normal to low exposure.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis commonly referred to as “EPM” is a disease affecting the nervous system and is caused by not a virus, but protozoa. This disease is generally felt to be transmitted through the fecal contamination of feed (grain, grass, hay etc.) by the opossum. Recent reports support the claim of efficacy. Yearly vaccinations are recommended.

Rabies
There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to Rabies in North Carolina. Because of the transmissibility between man and animal and because it is universally fatal, it is perhaps our most important vaccination. An annual vaccination is recommended.

Strangles
Strangles is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It primarily affects the upper respiratory system. Submandibular abscesses characterize the disease, however when the disease affects other systems in the body (so called bastard strangles) there is a high morbidity and can be fatal.  The intra-nasal form of the vaccine has much less side effects than the intra-muscular variety. Following initial immunization (two vaccinations 4 weeks apart), it should be given annually.

Potomac Horse Fever
The disease is characterized by high fever, diarrhea and founder. Very few cases are seen outside of the Potomac River region. Twice yearly vaccinations are recommended if showing in the region or just traveling through.

Equine Viral Arteritis
Equine Viral Arteritis or “EVA” has a limited geography distribution. This disease is transmitted through breeding and is a primary concern for breeding stallions. There is a very specific regiment for vaccination, base on sex and age.

Botulism
Botulism is a disease endemic to only a few spots in the USA. In regions of Kentucky, the disease known as “shaker foal syndrome” is vaccinated for routinely. Presently it is not a concern in the southern piedmont.