Springtime is just around the corner. This time of year, as the weather begins to warm, we are once again reminded that the Delaware state bird, the mosquito, will be returning. With it comes the threat of encephalitis as the migratory birds and the mosquitoes repopulate our region. Vaccination to protect against encephalitis and many other preventable diseases is the best defense. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has developed a vaccination plan or protocol which serves as a guide line for all horses. Talking about vaccination schedules is certainly not very exciting but it is one of those basic care items which when implemented and maintained will help keep your horses healthy. The standardbred race tracks in Delaware have eliminated the required Herpes vaccination (EHV-1 or Rhinopneumonitis) in order to race. Chester, as of this writing, is still requiring, Rabies vaccination, Coggins testing and Health Papers upon arrival. Even though the tracks may be modifying their vaccination requirements, it is still good medicine to continue including a vaccination program in your stable management. Each horse show venue can set their own protocol for each show. Check with the show officials to determine their requirements at least 30 days before the show.
Protecting the health and well-being of your horses is an important priority. Even though a “standard” or a “perfect” vaccine program does not exist, it is an important aid in preventing infectious diseases. Vaccinations do help prevent disease in your stable and will result in long-term racing and performance success. The following vaccines should be included in the annual vaccine program for at-risk horses living , racing and showing in the Mid-Atlantic region.
PRODUCT FREQUENCY
Tetanus Toxoid Annually
Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis Every 4-6 months (spring and fall)
West Nile Encephalomyelitis Every 4-6 months (spring and fall)
Influenza intra-nasal and IM Every 3-6 months (spring and fall)
Rhinopneumonitis Every 3-6 months (spring and fall)
Strangles Intra-nasal Every 6 months (spring and fall)
Rabies Annually
Botulism Annually
Potomac Horse Fever Annually
These vaccines provide a very broad base of protection for many common diseases in our area. This combination of vaccines can be given to broodmares 3-6 weeks before their due date (pre-foaling shots), thus providing antibodies when the foal nurses the colostrum or first milk. At the same time, be sure to open the Caslicks if the mare has been sutured.
Foals need to receive a series of these vaccines in the first year of life. Typically it is a 2- or 3-shot series followed by 6-month boosters. The series should start in the 3rd to 6th month of life. One note regarding West Nile vaccine, the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, at Davis, recommends a 3-shot series, 21 days apart for foals.
All adult horses beginning the vaccination program for the first time need a 2 or 3 shot series, as well, depending on the product. Horses are not protected if they only receive one shot. It takes 10-12 days from the second shot in the initial series before adequate protective antibodies are produced. Antibodies may be available as early as 4 hours after the 3 or 6 month boosters are administered. Avoid giving any vaccines closer than 72 hours before the horse is to race or compete. There is no testing issue but biologic products can dull the racing performance of any athlete.
My personal opinion and impression regarding respiratory infections: since the inception of the intranasal strangles vaccine, those stables that I have had the opportunity to vaccinate, over the last 33 years, before and after the availability of the intra-nasal strangles vaccine, have resulted in a lower incidence of guttural pouch infections. Horses tolerate this vaccine well, no side effects and no lost time. Other respiratory vaccines are also helpful but I believe the use of the strangles vaccine has resulted in fewer lost training and racing days by reducing the incidence of guttural pouch infections.
Many of these products are found in combination vaccines. Each year there are new vaccines and new combinations of vaccines that have gone through the approval process with the USDA making the vaccine selection process a bit more confusing. There are other diseases that can be vaccinated against as well. Contact your doctor at Brenford Animal Hospital about all vaccine products available, the risk-cost-benefit ratio of each, and how to work the program into your needs regarding shipping, racing and show schedules. PFH 1.18.14