Just like your other pets, horses have a vaccination schedule against many different kinds of diseases. These vaccinations are very important to keep up to date, but it is also important to remember that vaccination does not guarantee 100% protection.

There are many factors that determine which vaccinations your horse may need including the risk of exposure, age, use, location, environment, and management, please consult with your veterinarian to determine which vaccinations are most important in your area.

Here is a list of the diseases most often vaccinated against:

Influenza: One of the most common respiratory diseases horses have. Influenza is highly contagious and is usually transmitted when the affected horse coughs or sneezes and can travel up to 30 yards. Vaccination is recommended every 3 to 4 months.

Tetanus: Other wise known as lock jaw, this comes from a toxin producing bacteria. More than 85% of horses whom become affected with tetanus die. Tetanus spores enter a horses body through cuts, wounds, and other openings into the horses body which will allow the spore in. Vaccination is recommended annually.

Rhinopneumonitis: This disease causes respiratory tract problems and is transferred by coughing, sneezing and direct contact. The disease can be presant and not detected in carrier horses. It is caused by the equine herpes virus type 1 and equine herpes virus type 4. Vaccination every 2 months is advised.

Rabies: highly contagious and dangerous. The death rate is 100%. Annual vaccination is advised.

Encephalomyelitis: Otherwise known as sleeping sickness, is caused by either the Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis virus or the Western Equine Encephalomyelitis virus. The virus is often transmitted by mosquitos. 50% of horses affected with WEE die and up to 90% of horses affected with EEE die. Vaccination at least annually is recommended preferably in the spring just before mosquitos are active.

Potomac Horse Fever: A geographic disease of which 33% of affected horses die. Consult your equine veterinarian on whether your horse will require this vaccination.

Strangles: Very highly contagious. Annual vaccination is suggested but consult your veterinarian before vaccinating against strangles due to the potential side effects of the strangles vaccine.