A vaccine is an injection that stimulates an immune response against a specific infection. Vaccines are prepared by growing the infecting virus or bacteria in the laboratory and extracting from them the essential surface components that stimulate an immune response in the horse. Vaccines therefore do not contain living material and can never 'cause' the infection they are administered to combat.
A vaccination programme will ensure that your horse has maximum protection against the infections in the U.K. that can cause serious (and sometimes fatal) disease. It will usually mean two injections at the start of the course follows by (usually) annual boosters.
The great majority of horses in the UK are vaccinated against Equine Influenza and Tetanus and a growing number against Equine Herpes Virus. There are other vaccinations available, see below. An un-vaccinated horse could contract one of these illnesses, causing an interruption of its training and competition programme for a long time, or worse may result in a severely debilitated horse or even death if complications develop.
If you wish to show, race, or enter your horse in competitions it must be vaccinated against influenza according to the regulations of the organisation or event committee. This will require production of an up to date vaccination certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon. Many equestrian premises require flu vaccination for all horses resident there. Events held at these premises e.g. Pony Club camps will also require vaccination of participating horses and ponies.
In addition most insurance companies require that insured horses are vaccinated and may require evidence of this when you make a claim.
The two most important vaccinations that all horses should receive are influenza and tetanus
TETANUS (Lockjaw)
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium Clostridium tetani that is found in soil and horse faeces. It enters the body by an open wound or in some cases via the intestinal tract. Even small wounds can allow Clostridium tetani contamination and, because the incubation period is as long as 7-21 days, the wound has usually healed by the time the first signs of the disease are apparent. Often owners are not even aware that their horse has received a wound, or thought it minor or of no importance and yet their horse develops tetanus. The signs of tetanus are:
- Vague stiffness in the head and limbs progressing to a reluctance to move
- Spasms in the muscles of the head and neck resulting in difficulty chewing, flared nostrils and a wide-eyed expression
- Trembling progressing to violent, whole body spasms in response to sudden movements or noise
Approximately 90% of unvaccinated horses that develop tetanus die. In the small number of horses that do recover, intensive veterinary treatment and nursing care is required for a period of about 6 weeks.
EQUINE INFLUENZA ('flu')
This is a highly contagious, viral disease of the respiratory system caused by different strains of influenza virus. A horse contracts the virus either by contact with an infected horse or indirectly by contaminated air/environment. Infected horses incubate the virus for only 1-3 days before developing symptoms, which is why outbreaks of influenza spread so rapidly. The symptoms of influenza include:
- A rise in temperature up to 41 degrees C (106 degrees F) for 1-3 days
- A harsh dry cough of sudden onset that persists for 2-3 weeks or more
- Clear nasal discharge progressing to thick yellow discharge
- Lethargy, loss of performance for weeks or months
- Loss of appetite
The disease can develop into life-threatening bronchitis or pneumonia. When horses recover from influenza they can be left in a debilitated state making them more susceptible to secondary infections.
Outbreaks of influenza are most common when large numbers of young horses are brought together in stressful conditions e.g. sales or shows.
Because the infecting strain of the virus tends to vary from time to time, vaccine manufactures are constantly updating their vaccines to ensure full protection.
No, vaccination is not harmful. Millions of horses have been vaccinated against tetanus and influenza over many years and the number of adverse reactions reported has been insignificant. Of these reported adverse reactions most are only transient local injection site reactions or muslce stiffness.
The risk of your horse suffering serious or fatal consequences of tetanus and influenza is many, many times greater than the risk of your horse having an adverse reaction to vaccination.
You should try to reduce stress (e.g. heavy exercise) on your horse for 24-48 hours after vaccination. This will further reduce the very small chance of an adverse reaction. Normal hacking etc. can continue uninterrupted.
Unfortunately no. It is important to ensure your horse is vaccinated. Very small needles are used and vaccination takes only a matter of seconds. We have lots of experience of vaccinating awkward horses!
Influenza
The manufacturers' recommendations for injection intervals will satisfy the requirements of the Jockey Club, FEI and all other organisations and show committees. These intervals are as followsPrimary course 2 injections 4-6 weeks apart
First booster at six months after 2nd primary vaccination
Subsequent boosters every 12 months.The vaccination schedules set by the Jockey Club and most other bodies set wider intervals for the start-up course, i.e.
Primary course 2 injections 21-92 days apart
First booster 150-215 days after 2nd primary vaccination
Subsequent boosters within 365 days of preceding boosterThe FEI schedule omits the 6-month booster although for satisfactory protection it is invariably given at this time.
Note that the Jockey Club and FEI regulations state that these injections cannot be given in the 7 days immediately before a competition or entry into the competition stables
Tetanus
Most influenza vaccinations also contain the tetanus vaccine combined in a single injection and if you follow the vaccination schedule using the combined vaccine your horse will also be protected against tetanus.When using separate vaccines, the schedule for tetanus vaccination is as follows:
Primary course 2 injections 4-6 weeks apart
First booster within 12 months of the 2nd primary injection
Subsequent boosters only needed every 2 yearsVaccinated pregnant mares should by given a tetanus booster in the last 4-6 weeks which will provide the foal with some protection through the mare's milk for the first 6-12 weeks of life.
New born foals are frequently given an injection of tetanus antitoxin (an 'antidote' to the tetanus infection) as soon as possible to provide temporary cover for 3-4 weeks. Regular tetanus vaccination can start at 3 months old.
DISCLAIMER
This factsheet is intended for use by registered clients of EqWest only. The advice offered is general advice only. EqWest clients who wish to discuss the individual circumstances of their horse should contact the Clinic.
To speak to a vet please phone between 8.30 - 9.30 am on weekday mornings.
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