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Vaccinations
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure!
West Nile
- Virus is spread by mosquitoes
- Causes neurological signs and is often fatal
- Infected mosquitoes also pose a threat to humans, but humans cannot contract the disease from infected horses
- We recommend all horses receive the initial series of the vaccine (2 shots 30 days apart) and annually in the spring thereafter. Vaccination in 4-6 months may be required depending on prevalence of disease and the mosquito population.
Strangles
- Caused by a bacteria which is rapidly spread from horse to horse, usually via respiratory secretions
- Results in fever, swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing and swallowing, depression and, if severe, can cause death
- This bacteria can survive for 30 days in water and 7 days on surfaces in the environment, so infected horses should be strictly isolated
- We recommend vaccination annually with either an intranasal or an intramuscular product, or every 6 months for horses that travel or are in boarding situations.
Influenza
- Highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by coughing, fever, nasal discharge, depression and muscle soreness
- Vaccination can prevent or greatly reduce severity of symptoms associated with this disease
- We recommend that all horses should be vaccinated in the spring and fall (or every 3-4 months if traveling or showing)
- Both intramuscular and intranasal vaccinations are available
Rhinopneumonitis
- Caused by two types of equine herpes virus and effects the upper respiratory tract
- Rhino is highly contagious and is spread from horse to horse via respiratory secretions or aerosolized particles
- We recommend that all horses should be vaccinated in the spring and fall ( or every 3-4 months in traveling or showing)
Encephalomyelitis
- Caused by two viruses (Eastern Encephalitis and Western Encephalitis) which are spread by mosquitoes
- The disease causes symptoms associated with the central nervous system and can be fatal
- We recommend that all horses should be vaccinated for both Eastern and Western Encephalitis yearly in the spring, consider a booster in the fall if traveling to warmer climate
Tetanus
- Caused by bacteria which can be found everywhere in the environment
- This disease causes central nervous system signs along with extreme muscular rigidity and paralysis
- Usually fatal once contracted
- We recommend that all horses should be vaccinated yearly; horses with cuts or abrasions may need a booster shot
Rabies
- Caused by a virus and is shed in bodily secretions, especially saliva
- Skunks and bats are the most common carriers of rabies in Minnesota
- Rabies is always fatal in animals an can be spread to people by infected horses
- We recommend that all horses should be vaccinated yearly
Potomac Horse Fever
- Caused by a bacteria
- Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, colic, abortion, founder, and death
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Believed to infect horses by ingestion of aquatic insects (Caddisflies, Mayflies, Damselflies, Dragonflies, Stoneflies)
- We recommend vaccinating yearly in the spring, consider a booster in the fall if traveling to a warmer climate
Note: Any vaccination given to your horse for the first time will need a 30 day booster.
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