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Vaccinations

Vaccinations

We recommend the following vaccinations for your horse or pony; Equine Influenza, Tetanus and Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

Regular vaccinations are a key part of the preventative care that owners should undertake for their horses or ponies as they can prevent some common but very serious diseases. Owners that compete should also remember that an up to date vaccination record is a pre-requisite for entry.  Each of the competing governing bodies have different rules about how long after the vaccination courses horses can compete, and if additional boosters are required by them.

Vaccinations

Equine Influenza (Flu)

Influenza is a viral infection which most commonly affects young horses. The virus affects the respiratory system resulting in a high fever, runny nose and coughing. Though rarely fatal, it can be a very debilitating disease.

The process is simple. It can start any time after your horse or pony reaches 5 months of age. There is a primary course of 3 vaccinations with approximate gaps of 1 month and then 6 months between them. The booster is given annually on the anniversary of the 1st injection.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your horse receives its vaccinations at the correct time although we will endeavour to send out a vaccination reminder to remind you when your horse requires its vaccinations. Despite our best efforts these systems are not infallible and it remains your responsibility.

Vaccinations are always good to tie-in with an annual health check, too!
Vaccinations are always good to tie-in with an annual health check, too!

Tetanus

All horses and ponies should be vaccinated against tetanus.  Tetanus is usually a fatal condition in the horse. Tetanus is caused by production of endotoxins by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. The spores of this bacteria are commonly found in the soil and may be present in horses’ faeces and may enter the tissues via wounds. Deep puncture wounds are particularly dangerous as they provide an ideal site for infection as the bacteria thrive in anaerobic (low oxygen) environments.

The process is simple, it’s a primary course of two vaccinations given 4-6 weeks apart, followed by a booster 12 months later. Thereafter subsequent vaccinations can be given at 2 yearly intervals. Tetanus vaccination is often given as a combination vaccine with equine flu.

If your horse has not been vaccinated or the vaccination programme has lapsed and it sustains a wound, it is essential that a tetanus anti-toxin injection is given as soon as possible to prevent tetanus infection.  This is not the same as a vaccination but will protect your horse against tetanus for approximately 3 weeks.

Vaccinations

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

There are 5 types of Equine Herpes virus but EHV 1 and EHV 4 are the most clinically important and they are the only types which can be vaccinated against.

EHV 1 and 4 can cause a flu-like respiratory infection in horses but may also cause abortion in pregnant mares and severe neurological disease.

The process is simple, it’s a primary course of 2 vaccinations followed by a booster vaccination every 6 months.

1st vaccination: Can be given to any horse over the age of 5 months.

2nd vaccination: To be given 4-6 weeks after the 1st vaccination.

6 month booster: To be given within 6 calendar months of the 2nd vaccination.

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