Vaccine Recommendations

Core Vaccines

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines core vaccines as those that:

protect from diseases endemic to a region
protect from diseases with potential public health significance
are required by law
are vaccines against diseases that are virulent/highly infectious, and/or pose a risk of severe disease

Core vaccines have clearly demonstrated efficacy and safety, and thus exhibit a high enough level of patient benefit and low enough level of risk to justify their use in the majority of patients. The following equine vaccines meet these criteria and are identified as ‘core’ by the American Association of Equine Practitioners:

Tetanus (annually, booster at surgery or if wounded and over 6 months has passed since last vaccination
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (twice yearly in the spring and fall)
West Nile Virus (El Sol Equine Practice uses an annual vaccine that is given in the spring prior to mosquito season)
Rabies (annually)

Tetanus Toxoid:

Tetanus is a disease caused by a specific toxin of Clostridium tetani. Horses are among the most sensitive to the harmful effects of the toxin. Clinical signs observed with the disease include spasmodic contractions and rigidity of some or all of the voluntary muscles, especially of the face, neck, and jaw (hence its nickname "lockjaw"). The bacteria is present throughout the environment and enters the body through wounds. The vaccine is very effective and administered once yearly. The vaccine is boostered in case of laceration, surgery, or penetrating wounds.

Eastern & Western Encephalomyelitis: Encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The vaccine is very effective against the disease. In Florida, we recommend vaccinating initially with 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart with boosters every 6 months thereafter. Foals should be started at 6-9 months of age if born to a vaccinated mare.

West Nile Virus:

West Nile virus is also transmitted by mosquitoes, and like the encephalitidies above, it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. We recommend initially vaccinating adults horses with 2 doses 3 weeks apart before the beginning of mosquito season, usually in March. To achieve the best protection, horses should be boostered in July, because the peak infectious time appears to be in August. Thereafter, boosters in March and July provide the highest level of immunity possible. For foals born to vaccinated mares, we recommend vaccinating with 2 doses 3 weeks apart beginning when the foal is 6 months old. Foals born to nonvaccinated mares, should be vaccinated with 3 doses 3 weeks apart beginning at 2 months of age.

Rabies:

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is transmitted through contact with the saliva of infected animals. It is 100% fatal. The vaccine is given once yearly and is very effective.

Recommended vaccine schedules are for previously vaccinated horses. Pregnant mares, foals, and previously unvaccinated horses will have different requirements.

Risk-Based Vaccines

These vaccinations may be included in your program depending on a many factors, including the age of your horse, the location of your farm, and your plans to travel to shows, trail rides, or athletic events with your horse. After determining if the risk of your horse coming in contact and/or contracting the disease is high enough to warrant vaccination. Commonly used vaccines include:

Equine Influenza (every 3-12 months depending on exposure)
Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis) (every 3-6 months)
Potomac Horse Fever (every 4-6 months, begin prior to peak challenge in summer and fall)
Strangles (every 6-12 months)

Influenza:

Similar to influenza in humans, equine influenza is a virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection. The vaccine is not 100% effective. Horses travelling to shows, trail rides, sales, athletic events, etc... should be vaccinated every 3 months. Horses that do not travel should be vaccinated every 6 to 12 months.

Rhinopneumonitis:

Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which causes respiratory infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not 100% effective and does not protect against the neurologic form of the disease. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 5, 7 and 9 months from the breeding date using a killed EHV 1p and 1b product. Horses that are travelling to shows, races, sales, etc. should be vaccinated every 3 months. Pleasure horses that do not travel should be vaccinated every 6 months.

Potomac Horse Fever:

Also known as Equine monocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by Neorickettsia risticii. This is a seasonal disease, occuring late spring through late fall (majority of cases in July, August, and September) Clinical signs can vary but include, fever, diarrhea, laminitis, and mild colic. Horses should be vaccinated beginning in March and boostered in July.

Strangles:

Strangles is a bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious and causes high fever, abscessed lymph nodes, and a respiratory infection. Once they are through the initial infection, horses may develop guttural pouch infections, sinus infections, purpura hemorrhagica, laryngeal paralysis, and bastard strangles weeks to months after apparent recovery. There is an intranasal vaccine which is more effective than the intramuscular vaccine. The vaccine is given once a year except in endemic barns (that have frequent outbreaks) where twice yearly vaccination is recommended.

Other vaccines are also available. If you have questions about any of the vaccines mentioned above, or others you have heard about, schedule an appointment and we can work together to create a vaccination program that best fits your horse(s). It is important to remember that not all vaccines prevent disease, in fact, many work to decrease the severity of the disease if it is contracted.

PFIZER GUARANTEE

Pfizer Animal Health is partnering with veterinarians to assure horse owners that their horses are receiving the best possible health care and disease prevention.

Pfizer will support reasonable diagnostic and treatment costs up to $5,000 if a horse properly vaccinated with one of their antigens contracts the corresponding equine disease:

West Nile
Influenza
Tetanus
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Western Equine Encephalitis
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis

Horses must be appropriately vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with a established client-patient relationship to qualify for the program. For more information contact our office (352) 617-3737.

Enroll in the El Sol Equine Wellness Plan and start saving money on vaccines, deworming, and all other preventative care services today!