Disease

Vaccination Schedule

Information

Rabies

First vaccination at 6 months of age.

First Booster one year after first vaccination.

Booster every year thereafter

Rabies is a fatal virus that attacks the brain and nerves.  It is transmitted by bite wounds and contact with the saliva or blood of a rabid animal.  Any mammal can get rabies, even people. 

West Nile Virus

First vaccination at 6mo of age with booster at 4 weeks. Thereafter Booster once per year

Suggested to booster during early spring

West nile virus is carried by wild birds, horses become infected by mosquitoes that  have bitten a bird infected with the virus. Horses may have mild to severe symptoms depending on the amount of virus that they receive. Clinical signs are fever, anorexia, depression in most horses. More severe signs can include head pressing, muscle twitching, weakness and sometimes recumbency. Once a horse is down  they can die if not given supportive care.

Rhinopheumonitis

           (EHV1 and 4)

First vaccination at 6mo of age

First booster 4 wks in 4 wks

Booster once a year thereafter

Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 5,7,and 9 months into pregnancy

Rhinopheumonitis is a herpes virus type 1 and 4. Clinical signs from the type 1 strain, occur 1-3 days after infection.  These clinical signs include fever a dry cough and clear nasal discharge.  The danger is in younger horses that may develop pneumonia. Type 4 is known to cause abortions in pregnant mares.

Influenza

First vaccination at 6mo of age

First Booster  4 weeks later,

Booster once a year thereafter

Influenza is a viral upper respiratory disease. Typically affects younger horses and the incubation period is 1-3 days. Clinical signs are sudden onset of fever, clear nasal discharge, anorexia, depression and a dry deep cough. Some horses may have muscle soreness, and limb edema.

Tetanus

First vaccination at 6mo of age

First Booster  4 weeks later,

Booster once a year thereafter

Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can occur after an animal has a deep puncture wound. Clinical signs may include prolapse of the 3^rd eyelid, sawhorse stance, spasms of the larynx, diaphragm and intercostal muscles resulting in respiratory failure., possibly death.

Encephalomyelitis

( EEE, WEE, VEE)

First vaccination at 6mo of age

First Booster  4 weeks later,

Booster once a year thereafter

The encephalalites viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes. The clinical signs during the early stages can include severe fever, anorexia, stiffness and mild depression. Neurological symptoms may include propulsive walking, aggression and hyperexcitability. Some horses may become frenzied after any sensory stimulation. Later signs may include blindness, circling, head tilt, facial and muscle twitching. Paralysis of the pharynx, larynx, and tongue is common.. Death is often preceded by recumbency for 1-7days.

Steptococcus Equi

(Strangles)

First vaccination at 6mo of age

First Booster  4 weeks later,

Booster once a year thereafter

Strangles is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by inhalation or ingestion after direct contact of discharge from infected horses

or contaminated equipment. The incubation period is between 2-6wks. Horses have fever mucopurulent nasal discharge and the lymph nodes often abscess out.. Potential complications include “Bastard Strangles” and purpura hemorrhagica. Both can be fatal.