Equine Vaccination Program

The following is a brief outline of vaccinations available for horses and the reasons for their use.

Tetanus
A tetanus toxoid should be given once a year to prevent tetanus (lockjaw), the fatal disease which occurs when wounds (especially small deep punctures) get infected. Tetanus is easy to prevent but nearly impossible to treat.

Inflenza/Rhinopneumonitis (Flu/Rhino)
Vaccines are given every 90 days to prevent upper respiratory infections (the snots).

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
This is primarily of impotance as a cause of abortion in mares. The disease is not nearly as prevalent as Flu/Rhino but is severe when it occurs. Vaccination interferes with international export so the use of this vaccine requires careful consideration.

Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE/VEE)
This is a severe brain infection caused by viruses that are spread by mosquitoes. It is rare in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada, but has commonly occurred in most other areas on North America. It is easily prevented with once a year vaccination. With mass transit of horses becoming an everyday event, this procedure should be performed routinely every year.

Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
This disease is caused by Erlichia sp. The major symptom is severe sometimes fatal diarrhea. There has been minimal occurrence of this disease in Canada, but it is quite common in many US locations. Horses showing in the States are at risk.

Strangles
The 'vaccine' for strangles is really a 'bacterin' which is technically different than a vaccine. Historically there were significant complications from the bacterin (abscess, sick horses). The intranasal product recently available has few side effects and the results in strangles outbreaks have been encouraging. Because of recent increased incidence of strangles vaccinating annually is prudent.

Rabies
Horses that are travelling to Ontario and eastern Canada and US are vaccinated routinely. BC horses are not considered a risk and are seldom vaccinated if they don't leave the lower mainland BC area.

West Nile Virus
This virus causes a brain inflammation and is fatal in about one third of horses that show signs of illness. The vaccine is licensed conditionally meaning that the tests of its effectiveness are not completed. There may be restrictions on exportation of vaccinated horses to some countries or states. However, due to the seriousness of the disease and the probability that the virus will reach BC  sometime soon, vaccination and mosquito control are recommended. Two initial vaccinations 3-6 weeks apart are recommended followed by yearly boosters prior to mosquito season. In endemic areas it has become the practice to give a third booster 4 months after the second vaccination.