Is It Necessary To Vaccinate Horses Every Year?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Core Vaccines. DO have your horse vaccinated with all core vaccines, which are those the American Veterinary Medical Association and AAEP recommend for all horses,

every year

, regardless of location, gender, or age.

Why is it important to vaccinate your horse?

We recommend that all horse, pony and donkey owners regularly vaccinate their animals in

order to prevent some serious and potentially life-threatening, diseases

. Those most commonly vaccinated for are equine influenza, tetanus and for breeding stock, equine herpes virus (EHV).

Why are vaccinations important for horses?

Specific vaccinations

reduce both the chance of becoming infected

, if challenged, and the severity of illness, if infection occurs, allowing more rapid recovery, as well as reducing the risk of spread to other horses.

When do horses need vaccinations?

Horses can be vaccinated from

five months of age

. The primary course involves two injections four to six weeks apart. Foals with insufficient colostrum intake can be vaccinated with a single dose at three months then again at five months, then four to six weeks after.

What are the most important vaccines for horses?

Important Considerations and Conclusions

You should always consult with your veterinarian to develop a vaccine plan for your horse. Again, ALL horses should receive the core vaccines (

rabies, EEE/WEE, tetanus, and West Nile Virus

).

How much does it cost to vaccinate a horse?

Our vaccine recommendations for most horses cost

$127.95 for annual vaccines plus $85.50 for semi-annual vaccines equals $213.45 per year

. Every horse should have a veterinary examination twice per year.

How often should a horse be wormed?

Facts: 1. Each horse should be dewormed

every 6 months

with an Ivermectin product (Spring and Fall). Ivermectin is a larvicidal (will kill parasite larvae), and if used every 6 months on each horse, large strongyles will be eliminated from your farm.

How many times a year should I vaccinate my horse?

Vaccination is recommended for all horses and ponies on

an annual basis

. A horse with an unknown vaccination status that sustains an injury should receive a dose of tetanus antitoxin along with a dose of tetanus toxoid. A second dose of toxoid should be given 4 wk later.

How often should horses be vaccinated for West Nile?

Vaccinate semi-annually or more frequently

(every 4 months)

, depending on risk. Annual, 4 to 6 weeks prepartum (see full text in guidelines). Annual booster is after primary series. In endemic areas, booster as required or warranted due to local conditions conducive to disease risk.

How often should horses be vaccinated for flu?

Adult Horses

Horses at increased risk of exposure may be revaccinated

every 6 months

. Some facilities and competitions may require vaccination within the previous 6 months to enter.

Should I vaccinate my horse against EHV?


There is no vaccine registered to prevent

EHV-1 neurological disease. Vaccination is especially recommended for horses under the age of five as they may be particularly susceptible to respiratory disease caused by EHV-1. Vaccination can also help reduce the amount of virus shed by an infected horse.

How many shots does a horse need?

To recap, your horse should at least receive

EWT/WN and Rabies vaccinations once a year

. In general, we recommend that your horse receive EWT/WN, PHF/Rabies, Strangles, and Flu/Rhino in the Spring, and PHF and Flu/Rhino in the Fall.

What should you do after vaccinating a horse?

For most horses, the only reaction, if any, is a little

local inflammation and soreness at the injection site

, which lasts just a few days. Usually, light exercise the day of the vaccinations and the next will actually help make the sore muscles feel better.

What diseases should horses be vaccinated against?

Vaccination of your horse is a good way to prevent diseases such as

Tetanus and Strangles making your horse sick

. With all vaccinations there needs to be 2-3 given initially. The first vaccinations prime the immune system, and the follow-up injections create a longer lasting result.

What is in the 5 way vaccine for horses?

Typically, a “4-way”(EEE/WEE, Tetanus, Influenza) vaccine is administered to pasture horses and foals. A “5-way” (

EEE/WEE, Tetanus, Influenza, and Rhino

) vaccine is administered to 4-H, exhibition, and breeding or boarding barn horses. Depending on the risk, these vaccines may be repeated in 6-month intervals.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.