Flu and Rhino
Every 6 months. This vaccine has a short immunity and must be repeated often. We recommend a booster 2 weeks before an extended trip or before exposure to a large concentration of horses, especially in a barn or indoor area environment.
Eastern and Western Encephalitis
Every 6 months. This vaccine probably has a longer immunity than 6 months, but because of the extremely large exposure to mosquitoes, we recommend a booster every 6 months. Some veterinarians in Florida vaccinate 3 times per year.
Tetanus
Once a year. This vaccine is normally incorporated into the Eastern and Western Encephalitis because the cost is very minimal and the extra immunity is beneficial. Horses are very susceptible to Tetanus.
West Nile Encephalitis
Every 6 months. Again, this vaccine probably provides a longer immunity rhan 6 months, but because of the mosquito population in our area, we recommend a booster every 6 months.
Strangles
This is a case-by-case recommendation. The vaccine is available in a intranasal and intramuscular form. The immunity provided is not 100% from either vaccine. We do not routinely vaccinate all horses for this disease.
Rabies
Once a year. This disease is actually uncommon in horses although we have definitively diagnosed rabies in horses in our area. The vaccine is very effective and is not expensive. We highly recommend vaccinating for rabies as the disease has profound exposure risk for humans from an infected horse.
Pneumabort
For pregnant mares. This is a form of Rhino especially for the prevention of abortion. It is given every 60 days in the later stages of pregnancy.
Rotavirus
For pregnant mares about 30 days before foaling. This vaccine is given to promote immunity through the colostrum to the foal to prevent foal diarrhea caused by Rotavirus. This disease is more prevalent in large horse farms. This vaccine is fairly effective.
De-Worming
Generally every 60 days. Worms are definitely one of the largest health problems in horses in our area. A worm burden, especially “blood worms” can directly or indirectly cause Colic and general unthriftness. The more horses are concentrated, the more exposure they have to re-infestation. We always rotate worming products. We also routinely administer a double dose of most de-worming drugs. We highly recommend a case-by-case consultation by one of our veterinarians for a complete de-worming program.