The Importance of Spring Vaccinations
When springtime rolls around it brings a season of change along with it. We’re all deep cleaning our homes and getting rid of any clutter so we can start fresh with the season. Another seasonal thing we all have to do is another round of vaccinations for our four-legged friends. Although each horse is unique, it’s typically recommended that horses get their vaccines annually. We always suggest discussing with your veterinarian about your horse's age, lifestyle, and vaccine and nutritional needs to develop the best possible preventive health care plan.
The recommended spring vaccinations are Respiratory Transmission: Influenza - Equine influenza, which is caused by a virus, is among the most common infectious respiratory diseases in horses. The AAEP recommends this vaccination for all horses except those who live in a closed, isolated herd—they never leave the farm and have no contact with outside horses.
Rhinopneumonitis (Herpes) – Booster 1-2 times annually in spring/fall. - Equine herpes usually causes a flu-like illness with fever and respiratory symptoms.
Eastern & Western Encephalitis - Biting mosquitoes spread viruses that cause EEE and WEE. The viruses attack the horse's nervous system.
West Nile Virus – Booster once annually in spring and environmental transmission – West Nile spreads through mosquitoes and attacks the horse's nervous system.
Rabies – Is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Although it’s not common in horses, there are equine cases every year.
Tetanus – Booster once annually in spring. Tetanus bacteria are everywhere, including the soil, where they form spores and become dormant. If they find their way into a penetrating wound, they germinate and begin to produce a potent neurotoxin.
It is also recommended that every horse, every year, has a Coggins test done. This test is very easy and ensures your horses (and all the horses around your horse) are free from this devastating disease. It is required for many shows and for crossing state lines.
It can be difficult to know exactly what your horse needs and there is no "cookie-cutter" treatment that fits every animal. If it's right for your horse, these vaccines will help protect your horse from any environmental factors that might put them at risk! Keeping horses happy and healthy is always a top priority.
