HORSE VACCINATION PROGRAM
Core Vaccinations
As defined by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Core Vaccinations protect against diseases that are endemic to a region, highly contagious, pose a risk of severe disease, has potential public health significance or may be required by law. Core vaccines are effective, safe yield a high patient benefit and a low level of risk. These criteria justify their use in all horses.
Core Vaccinations Include:
Tetanus
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
West Nile Virus
Rabies (must be given by a licensed veterinarian)
Tetanus
All horses are at risk of development of tetanus. This is often a fatal disease caused by a potent neurotoxin from spore-forming bacterium, Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is present in the intestinal tract and feces of horses, other animals and humans, and is abundant in soil. It survives in the environment for many years, resulting in an ever-present risk of exposure of horses and people on equine facilities. Tetanus is not a contagious disease. Normally, tetanus results from a puncture wound, open laceration, surgical incision,or exposed tissues such as the umbilicus of foals and reproductive tract of the postpartum mare.
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
Transmission of EEE/WEE is by mosquitoes, other bloodsucking insects, to horses from wild birds or rodents, which serve as natural reservoirs for these viruses. The inability to completely eliminate risk of exposure justifies immunization against EEE and WEE for all horses residing in or traveling to North America. Human beings are also susceptible to these diseases when the virus is transmitted to them by infected mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus
The virus is transmitted from avian reservoir hosts by mosquitoes (and infrequently by other bloodsucking insects) to horses, humans and a number of other mammals. The virus is not directly contagious from horse to horse or horse to human. The fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is approximately 33% while up to 40% of horses that survive the acute illness caused by WNV still exhibit residual effects, such as gait and behavioral abnormalities, 6 months post-diagnosis.
Rabies virus
Rabies is an infrequently encountered neurologic disease of horses. Though the incidence of rabies in horses is low it is always fatal. Rabies also poses a considerable public health significance that should be considered. Exposure occurs through the bite of an infected (rabid) animal, typically a wildlife source such as raccoon, fox, skunk, or bat. Bites to horses occur most often on the muzzle, face, and lower limbs. The virus migrates via nerves to the brain where it initiates rapidly progressive, invariably fatal encephalitis.
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Risk-Based Vaccinations
The use of risk-based vaccinations may vary regionally. These vaccinations are commonly given to horses that travel extensively or are housed in large populations.
Risk-based vaccines include:
Anthrax
Botulism
Equine Influenza
Strangles
Equine Herpesvirus (rhino)
Potomac Horse Fever
Rotaviral Diarrhea
Equine Viral Arteritis
Please consult your veterinarian for information on these risk- based vaccines.
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