Vaccinations

VACCINATIONS

Whilst we commit to send vaccination reminders by text, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their horse’s vaccinations remain up to date.

Equine Influenza (Flu)

Vaccinating against flu is highly recommended and is, mandatory for horses going on to any racecourse for any reason. The British Horseracing Authority, International Equestrian Federation (FEI), competition bodies (such as BS, BD, BE etc.) and many show societies, Riding Clubs and Pony Club produce flu vaccination protocols. These may vary slightly and it is therefore important to check the requirements for your particular society/body as well as specific requirements for any venues you may be attending.

It is also worth noting that many insurance companies stipulate that your horse has to be covered for influenza and tetanus, otherwise your policy will be invalid.

BHA / Racing rules: *as of 1 Jan 2023

  • A primary course of two injections given 21-60 days apart (3 weeks – 2 months)
  • A third injection given 120-180 days after the second injection (4-6 months)
  • Subsequent boosters are required within 6 months of previous vaccination (not within 6 days of a race)
  • If the booster interval goes over 6 months, the course must be re-started

FEI / BEF (BE, BS, BD) / competition rules:

  • A primary course of two injections given 21-92 days apart (3 weeks – 2 months) * this changes in Jan 2024 to 21-60 days
  • A third injection given 150-215 days after the second injection (5-7 months) * this changes in Jan 2024 to within 6 months + 21 days for FEI
  • Subsequent booster vaccinations must be administered at a maximum of 12 month intervals, however horses competing in events must have received a booster within 6 months +21 days (and not within 7 days) before arrival at the event.
  • If the booster interval goes over 12 months, the course must be re-started

In foals vaccinations can start from 5 months of age and can be combined to cover tetanus as well. Vaccination of pregnant mares 2 to 6 weeks before foaling is a gold standard protocol since it is likely to provide protection of foals through the colostrum.

Tetanus

Tetanus vaccination is relatively inexpensive, extremely effective and is a fundamental part of horse healthcare. Any small wound in any horse can easily be infected by the spores produced by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. Tetanus infection is often fatal.
Tetanus vaccination can be combined with influenza vaccination and if you follow the vaccination schedule for the combined vaccination your horse will be protected against tetanus.

When using separate vaccines, the tetanus vaccination schedule is as follows:

  • A primary course of two injections 3 to 6 weeks apart
  • A third injections given 6-12 months later
  • Thereafter subsequent boosters are only needed every 2 years

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV 1,4)

EHV is widespread in the equine population and can be carried latently by horses that show no signs of infection. Stress can cause reactivation of the virus, causing disease and spread of infection.

There are 5 strains of EHV, the two most common being EHV-1 and EHV-4.
EHV-1 causes abortion in mares, neurological disease and respiratory disease in younger horses.
EHV-4 causes respiratory disease and less commonly, abortion.

There is only vaccination available for EHV 1 and 4

Vaccination schedules as follows:

  • A primary course of two injections 3 to 6 weeks apart.
  • Booster vaccination given every 6 months thereafter.
  • Foals follow the above course, starting from 5 months of age.
  • Pregnant mares should be vaccinated during the 5th, 7th and 9th months of pregnancy.
  • Horses racing in France must have had a primary course as above, followed by annual boosters.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus mainly affects foals under the age of 6 months, causing severe diarrhoea. Vaccination is available for at-risk breeding settings, such as stud farms where rotavirus has occurred previously.

Pregnant mares are vaccinated at 8, 9 and 10 months of gestation and antibodies are passed through the colostrum to protect the foal.

EVA (Equine viral arteritis)

Vaccination may be required for horses competing abroad and you should be advised by your governing body or team vets. Breeding stallions are occasionally required to be vaccinated.

West Nile Virus (WNV): 

West Nile vaccination is not routinely given to horses living in the UK, but is occasionally given to horses travelling to affected areas for competition or other reasons.

Vaccination Schedules:

  • A primary course of 2 doses is given 4-6 weeks apart. Annual boosters, if applicable, are recommended in the spring before the mosquito season.

The vaccination protocol can be different in some circumstances. Please talk to one of our vets if you would like more details.