We recommend the following vaccination program for horses in the Kingman/Golden Valley area:

1. EWT - Eastern and Western encephalitis, and tetanus toxoid. These are standard vaccines in all equine vaccination programs. It is given as a single intramuscular (im) injection.

2. Influenza - types 1 & 2, given as a new intranasal vaccine. Older, injectable influenza vaccines gave very little, if any, protection. Intranasal influenza vacines put the protection where it is needed the most - the nasal tissue.

3. Rhinopneumonitis - traditionally used only as a killed vaccine to prevent abortion in mares, a high percentage of "flus" have been attributed to this herpesvirus in horses. It is given annually as a single im injection to horses. For brood mares, a killed vacine given at repeated intervals is recommended.

4. Strangles - a bacterial infection (Strep equi, also called distemper) that causes nasal and gland problems. Occasionally it can spread through the body (bastard strangles), causing very serious complications. Previous vaccines were somewhat risky, but the new intranasal vaccine has proven quite safe and effective.

5. West Nile Virus - a viral disease that also causes encephalitis (as do those listed in number 1). This disease is transmitted by mosquitoe bites, and has been diagnosed in the valley.

Other vaccines available, but not currently recommended in our area, include Potomac Horse Fever, Venezualan encephalitis, and rabies.