All horses, ponies and donkeys should be regularly vaccinated in order to prevent some serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
In the United Kingdom, horses are commonly vaccinated for equine influenza, tetanus and equine herpes virus (EHV).
Owners should make sure that their horse is vaccinated in accordance with the rules of governing bodies under which they are competing (e.g. British Horse racing Authority, FEI, British Eventing, British Show Jumping, etc.), as vaccination rules are different amongst these organisations.
Tetanus
All horses should be vaccinated against tetanus. If contracted, typically through a penetrating wound, it is usually a fatal condition. Vaccination is often given as a combination vaccine with equine influenza. A primary course of two vaccinations is given 4−6 weeks apart, followed by a booster in 12 months. Subsequent vaccinations are usually given every 2 years. Tetanus vaccine produces a strong, long-lasting immune response.
Many foals are given tetanus antitoxin shortly after birth. Primary vaccinations are usually started in horses at the age of 5−6 months.
Equine Influenza (Flu)
Equine flu affects the respiratory system of horses. Symptoms are a high fever, runny nose and coughing. It is rarely fatal, but it can take months to clear up.
Foals should be vaccinated for flu and tetanus at about 5−6 months of age.
Vaccination requirements vary between governing bodies and can be quite confusing.
There are useful apps available online that calculate when vaccinations are due, or if the horse’s cover has run out of date.
For racehorses “BHA Vaccine Calculator” please click here or search in google to find the app.
For horses competing under FEI rules, please click here.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)
Equine herpes virus affects horses: there are mainly 2 types: EHV-1, which causes respiratory disease, abortion and paralysis, and EHV-4, which usually only causes low-grade respiratory disease.
We advise vaccinating horses for EHV at the same time, and following the same protocols, as equine influenza.
Pregnant broodmares should be vaccinated against EHV at 5, 7 and 9 months of pregnancy.
Guidelines and advice on contagious diseases in horses are available in the HBLB’s Codes of Practice.
