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As a horse owner, it is your responsibility to look after your animals’ health and well-being. This involves working with a veterinarian to keep them updated on required and optional vaccines. Here are some of the core and extra shots that most professionals recommend.

Which Vaccinations Do Horses Need?

1. EWT/WN

While many horse vaccinations are risk-based, there are still core immunization requirements. This four-way vaccine is an annual single intramuscular injection covering all of the main risks that the majority of horses living or traveling in the United States face. 

It protects against Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis and the West Nile Virus, which are all spread by mosquitoes and cause brain and spinal cord inflammation. It also protects against tetanus bacteria, which are present in most soils and droppings and cause muscle stiffness and spasms. 

2. Rabies

veterinarianWhile the risk of rabies is low for horses, the disease is endemic to every state except Hawaii and is fatal in nearly all reported cases. Consequently, the rabies vaccine is a core equine vaccine required annually. It prevents many serious symptoms, including lameness, paralysis, tremors, and fever.

3. Influenza/Rhinopneumonitis 

Veterinarians recommended this type of protection every six months for horses that spend time traveling or are around animals that roam. Influenza and rhinopneumonitis are highly contagious respiratory diseases that spread from horse to horse.

Foals are particularly susceptible in the first weeks of life. Both conditions can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, nasal discharge, dry cough, muscle pain, weakness, and lethargy.

4. Strangles

This is another highly contagious disease among horses. It’s the result of the Streptococcus equi bacteria, which infect the horse’s lymph nodes and cause pus discharge from the nostrils. As the infection spreads, it produces high fevers, hacking coughs, and strangled breathing. 

The disease is not fatal in most cases, but can be if the lymph nodes swell and block the airways. The disease can remain dormant for years, allowing the horse to infect others. While there is a vaccine, it is up to you to determine whether to give it to your animals.

 

If you need animal vaccinations, turn to the trusted and caring veterinarians of Countryside Veterinary Service. This multi-location animal clinic provides a full spectrum of care for large animals in northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania. They offer comprehensive equine care programs that include everything from dental checkups to breeding assistance. Visit their website to learn more about their work with horses.

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