Vaccinations:
Vaccines are preparations of killed microorganisms, living weakened microorganisms, etc.
introduced into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease by causing the
formation of antibodies.
Vaccines are very delicate compounds, which if handled or administered incorrectly
will be ineffective or neutralized.
Vaccines are administered initially as a series and then annually or semiannually.
The vaccines and vaccine protocols listed below are tailored to our practice and
geographic location and follow the guidelines of the AAEP.
Eastern & Western Encephalomyelitis: Encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus,
which is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and
spinal cord. The vaccine is very effective against the disease. We recommend
administrating the vaccine twice a year (semiannually).
Tetanus Toxoid: Tetanus is a disease caused by a specific toxin of a bacillus
(Clostridium tetani)which usually enters the body through wounds. It is characterized
by spasmodic contractions and rigidity of some or all of the voluntary muscles
(especially of the jaw, face and neck). The bacteria is found in horse manure.
The vaccine is very effective and administered once yearly. The vaccine is
boostered in case of laceration, surgery, or pentrating wounds.
Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that infects 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.
West Nile Virus: West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes
inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Because North Florida has a long
mosquito season we recommend semiannual vaccination.
Rhinopneumonitis: Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which causes respiratory
infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not
100% effective and the protection only lasts 10-12 weeks. Pregnant mares
should be vaccinated at 3,5, 7 and 9 months from the breeding date. Horses
that are travelling to shows, races, sales, etc. should be vaccinated every
3 months. Pleasure horses that do not travel should be vaccinated twice a year.
The vaccine does not protect against the neurologic form of the disease.
Influenza: Influenza is a virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection.
The vaccine is not 100% effective, and the protection lasts only 10-12 weeks.
Horses travelling to shows, sales, racing events, etc..should be vaccinated every
3 months. Horses that do not travel should be vaccinated at least twice a year.
Strangles: Strangles is a bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi. It is
highly contagious and causes the following signs: high fever, abscessed lymph
nodes,and respiratory infection. Horses may develop guttural pouch infections,
sinus infections, purpura hemorrhagica, laryngeal paralysis, and bastard strangles.
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).
Vaccination Sample Schedule (AAEP Guidelines)
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Perfomanc Horses (High Risk) |
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WNV (If unvaccinated) |
EWT Rabies F/R WNV |
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F/R |
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EWT WNV |
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F/R |
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Pleasure Horses (Low Risk) |
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EWT Rabies F/R WNV |
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EWT F/R WNV |
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Yearlings |
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EWT F/R Rabies WNV |
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F/R |
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EWT WNV |
F/R |
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F/R |
Breeding Stallions |
EWT F/R Rabies WNV |
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EWT F/R WNV |
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Foals and Broodmares |
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SEE |
Below |
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Core Vaccinations Rabies, West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern and Western encephalitis/Tetanus
(EWT), Influenza/Rhinopneumonitis (F/R)
Pregnant Mare Vaccinations
3 months - Rhinomune (optional) 5 months - Rhinomune 7 months - Rhinomune 9 months - Rhinomune, Rabies, WNV (if unvaccinated) 10 months - EWT, F/R, WNV
Foal Vaccinations EWT/WN 4-dose series: 1st dose at 3 months of age 2nd dose at 4 month of age 3rd dose 4-6 weeks after 2nd dose 4th dose at 10-12 months of age, priot to the onset of the next vector season Boost at 6-month intervals
Rabies 3-dose series: 1st dose at 6 months of age 2nd dose 4-6 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose at 10-12 months of age Boost yearly
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) 3-dose series: 1st dose 6 months of age 2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose at 10-12 months of age Boost at 6-month intervals
Equine Influenza 3-dose series 1st dose at 6 months of age 2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose at 10-12 months of age Boost at 6-month intervals
Strangles Streptococcus equi 3-dose series 1st dose at 6-9 months of age 2nd dose 3-4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose at 11-12 months of age Boost yearly
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