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Spring Vaccines

Why Spring? Each vaccine should be given based on risk. Some vaccines, such as Tetanus and Rabies, should be given yearly. They can be given in any season, as the risk for these diseases is year-round. Other vaccines depend on season and should be given based on when the risk of disease is highest. West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Western Equine Encephalitis are all transmitted by mosquitoes. These vaccines should therefore be given a month or two before “mosquito season” (springtime) to ensure the horse is protected against these viruses. The risk for Potomac Horse Fever (not common in NE Ohio but common in many surrounding areas) is July-Oct, so spring/early summer is ideal for vaccination. Since the “seasonal” vaccines should be given in the spring, most people opt to give all recommended vaccines in the spring. If you have any questions regarding your horses’ vaccine program, please do not hesitate to call!
Vaccine Who Should Get It? How Often? Other info.
Influenza Any horse that may be in contact with others. Every 6 months; those at high risk every 3-4 months.  
  Rhinopneumonitis (EHV1/EHV4) Any horse that may be in contact with others; especially important for pregnant mares. Every 6 months; those at high risk every 3-4 months. Pregnant mares: at 3, 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation.
  Rabies   All horses.   Once a year.  
  Tetanus   All horses.   Once a year. May be boostered at 6+ months if at risk.
  West Nile Virus   All horses.   Yearly in the spring. Boostered at 6 months if traveling to a warmer climate.
  Eastern Equine Encephalitis   All horses.   Yearly in the spring. Boostered at 6 months if traveling to a warmer climate.
  Western Equine Encephalitis   All horses.   Yearly in the spring. Boostered at 6 months if traveling to a warmer climate.
  Potomac Horse Fever Horses traveling to an endemic area (e.g. southern OH, KY, MI, PA, NY)   Yearly in the spring. Vaccine not always effective at preventing disease; can often reduce disease severity.
  Strangles   Horses at high risk.   Yearly if at risk. Check titers prior to vaccination.
  Equine Viral Arteritis   Breeding animals. Yearly, 2-4 weeks prior to breeding. Check titers prior to vaccination.
  Botulism Horses in an endemic area. Yearly.