Core Vaccines

Tetanus Toxoid

  • Annual (Spring) 4-6 weeks prior to foaling.
  • Booster at time of injury or surgery if greater than six months since last vaccination.

West Nile

  • Annual (Spring) 4-6 weeks prior to foaling.

Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis

  • Annual (Spring) 4-6 weeks prior to foaling.

Rabies

  • (Spring) 4-6 weeks prior to foaling

Strongly Recommended In Addition to Core Vaccines

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1/EHV-4)

  • Annual.
  • The EHV-1 vaccine (Pneumabort) is given at 3, 5, 7, and 9 months gestation to lower the risk of abortion due to EHV.

Influenza

  • Annual.

Risk Based Vaccines
Strangles

  • Annual. 4-6 weeks prior to foaling.
  • Only recommended if the horse is at high risk for exposure or in endemic area. We recommend checking the blood titer levels for strep equi prior to vaccination to identify horses that are more likely to have a vaccine reaction.

Rotavirus

  • Mares are given three doses at 8, 9, and 10 months gestation depending upon location. (Kentucky has a higher prevalence of rotavirus)

Botulism

  • Annual.
  • If not given previously then mares are given three doses at 8, 9, and 10 months gestation depending upon location. (Kentucky has a higher prevalence of botulism.)

Potomac Horse Fever

  • Annual. 4-6 weeks prior to foaling.
  • Recommended if the horse is at high risk due to location. Southern Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan have a higher prevalence of Potomac Horse Fever.

Equine Viral Arteritis

  • Annual. (2-4 weeks before breeding season)
  • Blood test must be done prior to vaccination to confirm negative antibodies. The vaccine is only given before breeding.

Maiden or open mares should be vaccinated for all recommended vaccines prior to breeding.