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Vaccinations

This is something that we haven’t talked about before but it’s a very important issue as you can see from the above news item – so lets just take a look at the basics: What, Why, When and Where and How!


What?

A vaccination is an injection that stimulates the horse’s immune system to respond against a specific disease. so that it gives your horse maximum protection against that disease. It usually involves a course of three injections, followed by annual boosters.





Why?

We get ourselves and animals vaccinated for the same reason – to protect against particular diseases that we would otherwise be likely to catch. We can protect ourselves and our horses from some diseases and not others simply because some diseases respond to this action and others don’t or alternatively, vaccines haven’t been developed because it is difficult to do so. We normally vaccinate horses and other animals against diseases that are usually very serious, that they might not always recover from if not vaccinated. Or against things that are uncomfortable for the horse but will not affect their health as quickly or as seriously, for example worms.


When?

The two vaccinations that every horse should receive are tetanus and influenza, so let’s look at these first.

 

Equine influenza (flu)

If you wish to show, race or enter your horse in competitions it must be vaccinated against influenza.

This is a highly contagious, viral disease of the respiratory system caused by different strains

of the influenza virus. A horse contracts the virus through contact with an infected horse or indirectly through contaminated environments. Infected horses incubate the disease for one
to three days before displaying symptoms, which is why outbreaks of equine influenza spread so rapidly.

Symptoms of influenza

• A rise in temperature up to 41°C (106°F) for one to three days, often undetected
• A harsh, dry cough of sudden onset that persists for two to three weeks or more
• Clear nasal discharge progressing to thick, green-yellow discharge
• Lethargy and loss of appetite


The disease can develop into life-threatening bronchitis or pneumonia. When horses recover from influenza, they can be left in a debilitated (weakened) state making them more susceptible to secondary infections.

Outbreaks of influenza are most common when large numbers of young horses are brought together in stressful conditions such as those found at sales or shows.


Where?

That’s not something we have to worry about because the Vet decides how the vaccine is administered. He will usually come to you to give a vaccine but if your horse is already ill and has to be seen by the vet at his surgery he may then also administer other vaccines.

How?

Your will supply and give the vaccinations. He will also advise on the frequency of the vaccinations and the waiting time in between vaccinations.


Questions?

The 2 most common questions I have been asked are:

a. Is vaccination dangerous?

No. Millions of horses have been vaccinated against tetanus and influenza over many years and the number of adverse (bad) reactions reported from these vaccines is insignificant, usually involving only local injection site reactions or mild muscle stiffness. It is far worse not to get the horse vaccinated and then have him die of something you could have prevented!

b. Can I still ride my horse?

You should try to reduce stress such as heavy exercise for 24 to 48 hours after vaccination.


My best advice to you is to get your horse seen by a Vet at least once per year and to make sure that the horse is vaccinated exactly as recommended by the Vet. You may think the vaccine cost is high but that will be nothing compared to the Vets bills if he then suffers from something he should have been vaccinated against apart from  the terrible loss you would suffer if he died

A full vaccination table is on page 2