Vaccination options for your horse
There are several vaccines available for horses. The combination of vaccines used depends upon your situation and the risk of exposure to a specific disease. Booster vaccinations are required to maintain strong immunity.
It is generally advised to vaccinate mares prior to foaling. Vaccination stimulates the mare's immune system, resulting in transfer of immunity to the foal through antibodies secreted in the colostrum.
These antibodies are absorbed through the foal's gut immediately after birth, and help prevent infection from exposure to that bug. The immunity the foal acquires wanes at around three months. This means the foal requires vaccination to stimulate development of its own immune response, and subsequently produce its own antibodies.
|
Vaccine |
Used for |
Initial course |
Booster vaccination |
|
Tetanus toxoid |
All horses |
Start at 3 months of age, earliest Two doses, 4 weeks apart |
One year after initial course, then every 5 years |
|
Strangles |
Studs, stables, competition horses |
Start at 12 weeks, earliest Three doses, 2-4 weeks apart |
Once a year |
|
Salmonella |
Disease occ. in adults and esp. foals |
Start at 4 months of age, earliest Two doses 4 weeks apart |
Once a year |
|
Eq. 1 & 4 (respiratory) |
Studs, stables, competition horses |
Start at 5 months of age, earliest Two doses, 4-6 weeks apart |
Every 6 months or every year depending upon risk |
|
Eq. Herpes Virus 1 (abortion) |
All pregnant mares |
One dose at 5 months pregnancy |
Follow protocol every year mare is in foal or in contact with pregnant mares |
Note: Tetanus antitoxin, which provides immediate short-lived protection is used in the case of an injury, when the vaccination status of your horse is unknown. Use of the antitoxin is not a substitute for a full course of toxoid. A toxoid provides long-lived immunity.
Contact either Totally Vets branch with any queries or if you would like to have your horse vaccinated.
