Vaccinations
As Spring begins its full force, we start riding our horses more. Many of us will begin showing, going on trail rides with friends, and exposing our horses to potentially contagious diseases. As common practice in the horse world, we vaccinate our horses in the spring and fall for the biannual vaccinations. It is important to keep up with routine vaccinations so that the horse's immune system is covered year-round. The objects of vaccinating are preventing disease, reducing the severity of the disease and minimizing the spread of disease.
Most horses in the United States are routinely vaccinated against:
1. Tetanus
2. Influenza
3. Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE,WEE)
4. Rabies
5. Rhinopnuemonitis
and in some parts of the country, or for horses that travel extensively:
6. Strangles
7. Botulism
8. Potomac Horse Fever
Ask your local vet if these should be concerns for you and your horse.
Vaccines are generally given in the muscle (Intramuscular, ie IM), but lately a new intranasal vaccine for influenza and strangles appears to be effective if properly placed in the nostril.
It is recommended that your vet administer these vaccines because there could be serious side-effects if administered incorrectly. If you choose to vaccinate yourself, your local Southern States or Tractor Supply company should carry vaccines.
Now that we understand what vaccinations are and what they do, the next article will talk about the difference in vaccinating babies, broodmares, and performance horses.
