A Guide to Vaccinations for Horse Owners in Devon and Cornwall
1. What vaccinations does my horse need?
In the UK, the primary vaccinations for horses include Tetanus and Equine Influenza. Depending on the horse’s lifestyle, additional vaccines, such as those for Equine Herpesvirus and Strangles, might be recommended. Rabies is not commonly vaccinated against in the UK due to its absence in the country.
2. How often should my horse be vaccinated?
Equine Influenza requires annual boosters, though some competition rules may necessitate more frequent boosters, such as every 6 months. Tetanus is typically given every two years following the initial primary series. Other vaccines like Equine Herpesvirus might be administered bi-annually or according to specific risk factors. Please look carefully at the requirements of any relevant competition authority such as BE/PC/FEI/BHA etc. We have a helpful guide on our website, but please check the latest rules to ensure you are up to date.
3. Guide to Vaccinations for Horse Owners: What are the core vaccines for horses?
The core vaccines in the UK include Tetanus and Equine Influenza. These vaccines are essential for all horses due to the serious nature of the diseases they prevent. Other vaccines, like those for Equine Herpesvirus, are considered based on specific needs.
Equine Influenza
Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease. The virus predominantly spreads through respiratory droplets, although it can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include pyrexia, nasal discharge, coughing and can sometimes be fatal.
Tetanus
We strongly recommend vaccinating all horses and donkeys against tetanus. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces potent endotoxins. When these toxins enter a horses or donkeys tissue, typically through a wound, the disease is often fatal. The spores of the bacterium can be commonly found in the soil and horse faeces. Deep puncture wounds are particularly susceptible to infection, as the bacterium thrives in low oxygen environments.
Effective immunity, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, requires:
– Two vaccinations 4-6weeks apart (primary course) – from 5 months of age
– Subsequent boosters are every two years.
Tetanus is usually given in combination with the flu vaccine.
Foals and tetanus:
Foals are protected from antibodies in the mare’s colostrum and milk for the first weeks of life: we strongly recommend giving pregnant mares an extra tetanus vaccination shortly before she is due to foal to ensure good tetanus immunity in the foal. Foals can usually be vaccinated from 5 months of age.
Injuries and tetanus
If your horse’s tetanus vaccination schedule has lapsed and they happen to sustain a wound, it is important that we assess the risk and give them a tetanus booster as a minimum.
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
While there are five distinct types of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), vaccination is available for just two of them: EHV-1 and EHV-4. These diseases are prevalent in the United Kingdom and can manifest with symptoms resembling respiratory infections similar to equine influenza, cases of abortion, and even neurological disorders. Notably, it’s important to mention that EHV is not a notifiable disease in the UK, yet in the UK, Thoroughbred breeders should notify their breeder’s association of any instances of abortion or neurological diseases relevant links at the bottom of the page).
Effective immunity, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, requires:
– Two vaccinations 4-6weeks apart (primary course) – from 5 months of age
– Booster vaccinations every 6months
Pregnant mares should receive a course of three vaccinations during their 5th, 7th, and 9th months of pregnancy.
Please note: This Guide to Vaccinations for Horse Owners is for information only. For the latest changes/guidance, please check the relevant authority website or rulebook. This page was last updated in August 2024.
4. Are there specific vaccines required based on my horse’s location or travel?
In the UK, horses that travel frequently, particularly for competition, may require more frequent Equine Influenza boosters.
5. What are the risks and side effects of horse vaccinations?
People are often concerned about the risk of side effects to vaccines. We understand this concern and are happy to discuss it with you. We administer an awful lot of vaccinations and can reassure you that reactions/side effects to vaccination are uncommon. Side effects are generally mild, including localized swelling, mild fever, or lethargy. Severe reactions are very rare. Discussing your horse’s medical history with your vet can help anticipate and manage any potential risks.
6. How do I know if my horse is up to date on vaccinations?
In the UK, vaccination records are typically documented in the horse’s passport, which is mandatory for all horses. Regularly reviewing this with your vet ensures your horse is up to date and compliant with any competition or travel requirements.
7. Can my horse have an allergic reaction to vaccines?
This is very rare and would usually be a skin reaction such as hives at worse.
8. What should I do if my horse reacts to a vaccination?
For mild reactions, such as swelling or lethargy, monitor your horse, and symptoms should resolve within a couple of days. All vaccine (or medicine) reactions should be reported to us so that we can then report them on official channels and the data is shared. It’s also important to note any reactions for future reference. If you call us about a vaccine reaction, it might just be to discuss on the phone and/or the vet may want to come and check the horse in person.
9. Guide to Vaccinations for Horse Owners: Are there alternative or optional vaccines for horses?
In addition to Tetanus and Equine Influenza, UK horse owners might consider optional vaccines based on risk, such as for Equine Herpesvirus and Strangles. Your vet can help determine which, if any, of these vaccines are appropriate for your horse.
10. How do vaccines affect a horse’s performance or competition eligibility?
Most UK competitions require up-to-date vaccinations for Equine Influenza, with proof often required in the horse’s passport. Vaccines typically do not impact performance, but scheduling them well before events can prevent any temporary side effects from affecting competition readiness. If a horse gets flu or respiratory herpes virus, it will adversely affect performance, so vaccine protection is recommended to reduce the severity of the disease.
11. Is it safe to vaccinate a pregnant mare?
Vaccinating pregnant mares against Tetanus and Equine Influenza is generally safe and recommended in the UK. The timing of vaccinations can be crucial, particularly for Tetanus, to protect both the mare and the foal. We usually recommend vaccinating pregnant mares (and in-contact horses) for equine herpes virus (EHV).
12. Can I administer vaccinations myself, or should a vet do it?
Vaccines need to be administered by a vet.
13. What is the cost of vaccinating a horse?
The cost of vaccinations in the UK can vary, but typically, an annual booster for Equine Influenza and Tetanus may range from £40 to £100 per horse, depending on the vet and region. Additional vaccines, if needed, would incur extra costs. You are always welcome to call and discuss with us the precise pricing based on your horse’s vaccination schedule. The visit fee is often split if we are seeing multiple horses on the same yard, or free if we are seeing 4 or more horses. We also do zone days, which have cheaper visit fees and have a Horse Health Plan which includes flu and tetanus vaccines.
14. How do vaccines protect my horse from diseases?
Vaccines work by stimulating the horse’s immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens, providing immunity without causing the disease. This prepares the horse’s immune system to respond effectively if exposed to the actual disease in the future.
15. What is the vaccination schedule for a foal?
In the UK, foals typically start their vaccination schedule at around 5-6 months old, beginning with Tetanus and Equine Influenza. The primary course involves an initial vaccination followed by boosters at recommended intervals. The schedule may be adjusted based on the foal’s environment and maternal vaccination history.
13. What is the cost of vaccinating a horse?
The cost of vaccinations in the UK can vary, but typically, an annual booster for Equine Influenza and Tetanus may range from £40 to £100 per horse, depending on the vet and region. Additional vaccines, if needed, would incur extra costs. You are always welcome to call and discuss with us the precise pricing based on your horse’s vaccination schedule. The visit fee is often split if we are seeing multiple horses on the same yard, or free if we are seeing 4 or more horses. We also do zone days, which have cheaper visit fees and have a Horse Health Plan which includes flu and tetanus vaccines.
14. How do vaccines protect my horse from diseases?
Vaccines work by stimulating the horse’s immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens, providing immunity without causing the disease. This prepares the horse’s immune system to respond effectively if exposed to the actual disease in the future.
15. What is the vaccination schedule for a foal?
In the UK, foals typically start their vaccination schedule at around 5-6 months old, beginning with Tetanus and Equine Influenza. The primary course involves an initial vaccination followed by boosters at recommended intervals. The schedule may be adjusted based on the foal’s environment and maternal vaccination history.
