As veterinarians we are acutely aware of the importance of protecting horse health from easily preventable diseases through immunisation.

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We believe prevention is far better than cure and that timing is critical.  Vaccinating save lives, as well as livelihoods.

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Tetanus

 

Clostridium tetani is a bacterium found in the environment which can infect your horse through an open wound. It can produce a toxin which results in the potentially fatal neurological disease known as tetanus. All horses should be vaccinated against tetanus because of the widespread occurrence of the organism. 

 

To gain protection, horses are initially given 3 shots, each two weeks apart. After that and annual booster is required to maintain protection.  An anti-toxin may also be given following an injury, as this gives good immunity after the initial course.  When not previously covered by a course of vaccinations, tetanus antitoxin will give immediate but short term protection to injured foals or horses lasting at most only about 3 weeks. 

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Strangles

 

Strangles is a serious and highly contagious respiratory disease of horses and is found worldwide. It is caused by the bacteria and can be more prevalent in horses with reduced immunity such as the very young or older horses.

 

Strangles may present as a range of symptoms from nasal discharge, coughing, swelling around the lymph glands, raised temperature and loss of appetite.  Strangles can be spread directly from horse to horse, or indirectly via objects shared between horses, such as grooming tools, clothes and troughs. Risk of transmitting strangles is increased at places with high numbers of horses from different areas such as competitions.

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Vaccination using the strangles vaccine does not necessarily completely prevent strangles, but will make the episode much shorter and less severe. 

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Tetanus and strangles vaccines come in a 2-in-1 dose, providing cost effective protection all year round.

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Hendra Virus

 

Hendra virus has posed a number of challenges for horse owners, equine veterinarians, government agencies, equine industries and the general public since it was first identified in 1994.  Since then, outbreaks have occurred sporadically from Queensland the Hunter Valley of NSW.

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In disease outbreaks so far recorded, the virus has not been shown to be highly contagious, however, it is lethal to horses and humans.

 

Vets have played a vital role in the early warning of the serious, potentially fatal consequences of human exposure and have been responsible for the early recognition and diagnosis of all confirmed cases in horses. 

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In 2012, a safe, effective horse vaccine became available. Vaccination of horses is the most effective way to help manage the risk of Hendra virus infection and disease, and provides a workplace health and safety benefit as well as a public health benefit.

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To discuss immunisation for your horse, please contact us.  Ph: 4448 6488 or E: office@iecvet.com.au