Equine Vaccinations

We recommend that all horses should be fully vaccinated against influenza and tetanus. This involves a primary course and booster vaccination according to the following recommendations:-

Equine Influenza

FEI  (including Pony Clubs, Riding Clubs etc)  Please see BHA link for racing requirements  BHA - Vaccination Calculator (horseracing.software)

1st Vaccination From 5 month of age

2nd Vaccination 21-92 days after 1st vaccination

3rd Vaccination 150-215 days after 2nd vaccination

Annual booster vaccinations are required within 1 year (less than 365 days from the previous vaccination)

FEI – boosters required every 6 months

Please check with your competition authorities with regard to their own recommended vaccination intervals.

These vaccination intervals are rigidly enforced in many equine sports, and even one day over is not acceptable. Please do not embarrass our vets by asking them to backdate a vaccination – their livelihoods depend on their integrity.

We routinely use Proteq Flu-Te for the Flu and Tetanus (combined in one jab), or Proteq Flu for Flu only (as Tetanus is only required every 2nd year)

We can source other brands if you prefer, but you must give us plenty of notice.

PLEASE book routine appointments for vaccination boosters well in advance so that deadlines are not missed.

Tetanus

Every horse, pony or donkey should be vaccinated against Tetanus as an absolute minimum. It is caused by a bacterium common in the soil, and gets in through even the smallest cut, and WILL CAUSE DEATH unless vaccinated.

If you only wish to vaccinate against Tetanus this involves a primary course of two vaccinations 4-6 weeks apart, followed by the 1st booster vaccination at one year and then a booster vaccination every two years.

It is imperative that mares in foal should be fully vaccinated against Tetanus, ideally within the 6 months before foaling. This will also ensure that the foal will have good immunity until it can start its vaccinations at 5 months old.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

Vaccinations for Equine Herpes Virus 1 and 4 are also available. This is another very common family of viruses which can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares and occasionally a neurological form causes incoordination and paralysis which can be fatal.

Horses require two vaccinations a month apart, and a booster injection every six months. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated during the 5th, 7th and 9th months of pregnancy to help prevent this cause of abortion.

Rotavirus vaccinations

Pregnant mares can also be vaccinated against Rotavirus which is disease causing serious diarrhoea in foals. It is often present on stud farms,and vaccinating the mare prior to foaling will offer immunity to the foal.

Vaccination is given during the 8th, 9th and 10th months of pregnancy.