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)

Core Vaccinations  Rabies, West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern and Western encephalitis/Tetanus