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 which neutralize viruses or bacteria in the body.

Vaccines are very delicate compounds, which if handled or administered incorrectly will be ineffective or neutralized.

Most vaccines are administered initially as a two-shot 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 from birds to horses by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is often fatal.  The vaccine is very effective against the disease. The protection lasts one year.

 

      Tetanus : 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). It is almost always fatal. The bacteria is found in soil and horse manure. The vaccine is very effective and administered once yearly.

 

     Influenza:Influenza is a very contagious virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection with cough and snotty nose.  Infected horses are unable to work, show or compete for weeks to months.  Two vacciine types are available. An intramuscular vaccine provides fair protection when given once a year to low risk horse such as trail and pleasure horses.  Horse at high risk, such as horses travelling to shows, sales, racing events, etc.are usually better protected with an intranasal formulationi given every 6 months.

 

     West Nile Virus: West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos from birds to horses.. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is often fatal.  Until the fall of 2009, BC was free of West Nile Virus. Last fall, 2 horses in the South Okanagan and 1 in the Fraser Valley died form West  Nile virus infection.  Sampling of mosquito pools in the South Okanagan found the virus for the first time ever.  We are very worried that 2010 may be a big year for West Nile infection in the Okanagan in unvaccinated horses.  In 2009, Washington State had more reported cases of West Nile infection in horses than all the rest of the country in total.  The vaccine is very effective and should be given once yearly shortly prior to mosquito season.

 

     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 5, 7 and 9 months from the breeding date. Horses that are travelling to shows, races, sales, etc. may gain some protection from the respiratory form if vaccinated every 3 months.  The vaccine does not protect against the neurologic form of the disease.

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. Rabies is very rare in our area, but if your horse is travelling to areas where it is common, the vaccine if given once yearly and is very effective.

 

Potomac Horse Fever(PHF): Potomac Horse Fever is caused by the parasite Ehrlichia risticii. Horses are infected through small land snails that carry the parasite. It is not contagious and occurs more commonly in wet areas. The disease causes high fever, laminitis, and severe diarrhea. The vaccine is fairly effective and is administered once a year. It is very rare in B.C. but may be a consideration for horses travelling to problem areas..

 

     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, however, neither provides great protection and can be prone to some undesirable side effects.  We use very little of either vaccine in our practice.