Equine vaccines

Question 1

What equine vaccines are most commonly done?

Answer 1

• equine influenza
• tetanus

Question 2

What equine vaccines can be done in high risk groups?

Answer 2

• EHV-1,4
• Strangles

Question 3

How does vaccination affect equine influenza?

Answer 3

• Vaccinated horses fewer days shedding and fewer clinical signs
• BUT Vaccination will not provide complete protection

Question 4

How many horses need to be vaccinated for herd immunity?

Answer 4

For ‘herd immunity’ 70% of horses need to be vaccinated – this increases to 95% if the virus strain changes.

Question 5

How many doses of the influenza vaccine do they need for initial course? How often is the booster?
How soon after an injection can they compete according to FEI and BHA rules?

Answer 5

3 doses (day 0, 21-60 days, 120-180 days)
Booster yearly.
Cannot arrive at an event venue within SEVEN (7) days of a vaccination.

Question 6

What is the initial course for the tetanus vaccine? How often do boosters need to be given?

Answer 6

◦ 2 x IM injections 4-6 weeks apart
◦ Start from 6 months old
◦ First booster 12 months
◦ Further boosters every 2 years

Question 7

What is the vaccination protocol for EHV1 and 4?

Answer 7

• Racehorses, competition horses that travel extensively
  ◦ 2 doses 4-6 weeks IM, 6 monthly boosters
• Broodmares
  ◦ 5, 7, 9 months of gestation

Question 8

Which horses should be vaccinated against strangles?

Answer 8

◦ at risk individuals - high movement yard, competition horses, movement for breeding, compromised immune system
◦ during an outbreak is not effective as takes 10 days for immunity from vaccine to kick in