Vaccinations
We insist that all horses under our care are vaccinated for both Tetanus and Equine Influenza. This ensures that they are creating “herd immunity” within their local area and are also protected from these illnesses themselves.
Equine Influenza
In early 2019, the UK equine industry had to fight a countrywide influenza outbreak. This halted racing and events across the country. At the start of the outbreak, less than 50% of the horse population was vaccinated against Influenza, which meant that the equine population within the UK didn’t have herd immunity. To enable herd immunity within the UK we should have a minimum of 93% of the horse population vaccinated.
The primary vaccination course consists of 3 vaccinations;
- 4-6 weeks between the first and second injections
- 6 months between the second and third
- Boosters can be given annually however we recommend that due to the increased levels of Influenza circulating in the horse population that horses are vaccinated every 6 months.
All horses competing under FEI rules; British Dressage, British Eventing, British Show Jumping, British Endurance, Pony Club, should be vaccinated no more than 6 months and 21 days before a competition and not less than 7 days before competing.
Tetanus
Tetanus bacteria is endemic in the soil in the UK. It often enters the blood stream from a cut or wound. In unvaccinated horses, this disease is fatal in 68% percent of cases. The great news is it is preventable with the Tetanus vaccine. This can be given separately or alongside the Influenza vaccine.
Primary vaccine consists of 2 injections given 4-6 weeks apart. A booster is then required 12 months later, and then every 2 years after. We strongly recommend that all mares are covered for tetanus before they foal down. This means the mares colostrum should contain the antibodies to help protect her foal from Tetanus in the first few months of life.
%
Tetanus is fatal in 68% of unvaccinated horses
Equine Herpes Virus
This disease is fatal in foals and can cause abortion in the late stages of pregnancy. To reduce the risk of late term abortion in pregnant mares, they should be vaccinated during the 5th, 7th and 9th month of pregnancy. We recommend that mares are covered during pregnancy to ensure their foal gets some immunity from her milk. Especially since this virus has been seen in outbreaks in various regions within the UK over the last few years.
We recommend that mares are covered during pregnancy to ensure their foal gets some immunity from her milk.
Referrals
We have a very close relationship with referral centres such as Leahurst Equine Hospital. This means if your horse needs further diagnostics that we cannot provide, such as colic surgery or MRI, we can refer you to the centre of your choice as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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We cover Staffordshire moorlands, North Staffordshire and North Staffs county. If you have any equine veterinary needs we would love to hear from you.