The horse vaccine is an integral part of maintaining a healthy and happy horse.
Horse vaccinations It is intended to create immunity against certain diseases. By vaccinating horses for these diseases, it reduces the risk of the horse becoming ill, or if it becomes ill, it reduces the severity of the disease and is less contagious.
The vaccine is created with one of the killed viruses, or some are no longer able to cause infection. When administered to horses, the vaccine helps to form the body and protect the horse from illness.
Key takeout
- The horse vaccine helps to create immunity against certain diseases.
- Although all horses need a core vaccine, risk-based vaccines should be considered based on the unique risk level of the horse.
- Vaccines should be given annually, with some types being given every six months.
Which vaccine does my horse need?
Horse vaccines are classified as American Association of Horse Practitioners (AAEP) As either a core vaccine or a risk-based vaccine.
-
Core Vaccine It is believed that all horses need to be vaccinated as they pose a risk and are potentially deadly to all horses, regardless of their lifestyle or risk.
-
Risk-based Vaccines are vaccines that you need to consider and discuss with your veterinarian based on the unique risks, geological location and lifestyle of your horse.
The horse vaccine is delivered in a single dose targeted to specific conditions. Alternatively, you can choose to offer a multi-way vaccine that covers multiple conditions in one dose.
Horse core vaccine
Risk-based horse vaccine
Horse vaccination schedule
The following horse vaccination chart includes recommended vaccination schedules for adult horses after their first vaccination.
Core Vaccine
| vaccine | frequency | Note |
|
East/Nishima Encephalitis
|
Annual/Spring before the start of vector season
|
Consider the 6-month recalculation interval for high risk situations and areas of increase incidence
|
|
Rabies
|
Year | n/a |
|
tetanus
|
Year |
Preoperative booster at the time of penetrating injury or if the vaccine is administered six months ago
|
|
West Nile Virus
|
Year/Spring before the mosquito season begins | n/a |
Risk-based vaccines
| vaccine | frequency | Note |
|
Charcoal thr
|
Year | n/a |
|
Botuhrism
|
Year | n/a |
|
Horse Herpes Virus (EHV)
|
Year | n/a |
|
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
|
Year | n/a |
|
Horse flu
|
Year | n/a |
|
Leptospirosis
|
Year | n/a |
|
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
|
Yearly every six months |
Recalculation intervals every 3-4 months may be recommended for horses in endemic regions at high risk
|
|
Rotavirus
|
3 dosage series during pregnancy | Only given to Broodmares |
|
Snake bite
|
Every six months |
Recommended for high risk geological areas and has venomous snakes
|
|
Strangling
|
From six months to annually due to lifestyle risk
|
Risky lifestyle horses include horses and boarding/training facilities that compete for more than six months a year |
Horse vaccination FAQ
What are the 5-way and 3-way vaccines for horses?
Five-way vaccines usually include EEE, WEE, EIV, EHV, and Tetanus.
Three-way vaccines usually include EEE, WEE and TETANUS.
There are other combination vaccines that may contain additional components, but these are the most common.
What is the best time to get a horse vaccine?
In general, it is recommended to administer the vaccine in the spring before the horse’s riding season gives the horse the most protection. Some vaccines may require a booster in the fall, depending on the horse’s lifestyle and risk level.
Does Shaw Horse need an additional vaccine?
Yes, the indicated horses should be given additional vaccines. They are at risk for other illnesses, such as flu and stranglehold, as they are exposed to travel and new horses and facilities.
reference
aaep. Vaccination Guidelines. 2020.
