Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease of horses. The infection causes an elevated temperature and coughing which is an easy method of spread from one horse to another. It is estimated that one infected horse can easily infect ten in-contact horses causing the rapid spread of the disease. Horses travel all over the World which means all continents can be exposed to an influenza outbreak quickly. Like all influenza viruses, there is the potential for the virus to change its appearance to become a different strain. Modern vaccination contains different inactivated strains of the influenza vaccine found from past outbreaks to offer the best protection possible. Unvaccinated horses are highly susceptible to developing the most severe signs of influenza or even death and allowing disease to spread as they have no underlying protection.
It is advisable to vaccinate all healthy horses. Those competing and/or kept on yards where horses move on and off the yard regularly are at greater risk of exposure to equine influenza.
The recommended vaccination protocol is as follows:
There are specific timescales for horses competing under Jockey Club Rules and those in FEI competition.
FEI regulations are different. A primary course of two vaccinations given 21-92 days apart must be followed by booster vaccination within six months and 21 days of the second vaccination. Booster vaccinations must have been given within six months and 21 days of competition. Horses may not arrive at an FEI event until the eighth day after either their second or booster vaccination. To comply with these regulations, it is often easier to vaccinate every six months.
Isabelle Vets recommend booster vaccination in plenty of time ahead of the due date in case your horse is ill as we may have to delay vaccination and restart the course.
Vaccinations completed by Isabelle Vets generate reminders, but it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Clostridium tetani is the bacterium which causes tetanus by producing a neurotoxin. The bacteria live in the environment. Horses are particularly susceptible to tetanus. Infection is through wounds, the most serious of which being deep puncture wounds which often go undetected. The toxin produced binds to muscle to create stiffness, progressing to spasms including inability to open the mouth with so called ‘lockjaw’. By the time clinical signs of tetanus appear, it is very difficult to treat meaning a high death rate. Prevention of this deadly disease is achieved by vaccination. A combined vaccine with influenza is often given; however, tetanus vaccination may be given alone. The primary course of two injections is given four-six weeks apart; a follow up 12 months later, then every two years.