The horses are animals that easily captivate anyone due to their great beauty and size, without taking into account other equally remarkable attributes such as the intelligence. However, in order to have this external aspect that so positively attracts attention, it is essential to enjoy a good state of he alth, which will undoubtedly be reflected in the appearance.
Few resources protect as effectively from the various diseases common in horses as do vaccines, biological preparations that contain an attenuated or inert part of a certain virus or bacteria and that fulfill the important function of stimulate the animal's immune system, thus favoring the creation of antibodies that will protect it against the ravages of dangerous diseases.
In this article on our site we will talk about the vaccines for horses that must be followed in Spain, Mexico, Argentina and Chile We should always follow the instructions of our veterinarian, the climatic conditions, the state of he alth of the individual and many other factors that the specialist will advise us.
Vaccination plan for horses in Spain
Spain does not have specific legislation son the vaccination program to which horses must undergo, nor any law that requires owners to the administration of these biological preparations. But there is a regulation by different equine associations and federations, especially when the horses are used for competition, so it is very important to be aware of said regulation.
In these cases 3 vaccines are recommended:
- Vaccine against equine influenza: equine influenza or equine influenza is caused by a viral agent (orthomyxovirus). It is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through the air by the expectoration of other animals and causes symptoms that are similar to those we can experience when we get the flu. Horses under 5 years of age are at great risk of contracting equine influenza, and furthermore, there is no specific treatment for this disease, but only symptomatic treatment, which is why vaccination is of great importance. The first vaccine should be given between 4 and 6 months of age, a second dose will be needed after one month and a booster dose every 6 months. In pregnant mares, it should be administered between 4 and 6 weeks before parturition.
- Tetanus vaccine: in this case the disease is not contagious, but all horses are susceptible to contracting it, in addition, the Tetanus prognosis is always serious, so vaccination takes on great importance. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani, which produces a neurotoxin that affects the muscular system until it causes death by suffocation. The first vaccine should be given between 4 and 6 months of age, offering a second dose in the following month and a booster dose every 6 months. In pregnant mares, it should be administered 4 or 6 weeks before delivery.
- Vaccine against equine rhinopneumonitis: this is a contagious disease caused by equine herpesvirus type 1 and 4 and is transmitted through the airway by the expectoration of a sick animal. It acutely affects young horses and can become chronic in adult horses. It produces fever, reluctance, nasal discharge and cough, and can cause abortions in pregnant mares. The first vaccine is given between 4 and 6 months of age, the second dose should be given one month later, and a booster dose is required every 6 months. In pregnant mares it should be administered in the fifth, seventh and ninth month of pregnancy.
Vaccines for horses in Argentina
Unlike Spain, Argentina does have specific legislation for the vaccination of horses, considering two vaccines and one test as mandatory: vaccine against equine influenza, equine encephalomyelitis and equine infectious anemia test. The difference in vaccination against equine influenza is the frequency of doses, since in this country it is stipulated that the vaccine must be administered 4 times a year, each dose coinciding with seasonal changes.
Let's see below the specific aspects of the other mandatory vaccine as well as the test:
- Vaccine against equine encephalomyelitis: this is a serious disease caused by a virus of the alphavirus genus, it causes disorders of consciousness, irritation motor and paralysis, being able to reach a complete paralysis that causes the death of the animal in a period of 2 to 4 days. In tropical areas, the vaccine requires an application every 6 months, in other geographical areas an annual administration is sufficient.
- Equine Infectious Anemia Test: Equine Infectious Anemia is caused by a type of lentivirus that causes a chronic condition characterized by a Significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin that translates into a significant lack of oxygen, leading to the death of the animal due to an acute illness or by euthanasia. This disease is manifested by high fever, rapid breathing and despondency. The test must be carried out every 6 months and every 2 months if the horse is not permanently in a stable, that is, if it is in transit.
Vaccines for horses in Chile
Chile also has a law that effectively regulates the vaccination plan for horses, considering the following vaccines as mandatory:
- Vaccine against equine encephalomyelitis: it is applied to foals and initially requires 2 doses, separated by 30 days. Subsequently, an annual revaccination is necessary, which takes place during the month of September or October.
- Vaccine against equine influenza: the first dose is administered at 3 or 4 months of age, a second dose is necessary at 2 or 6 weeks later and finally an annual booster.
As in Argentina, the equine infectious anemia test is also mandatory.
Vaccines for horses in Mexico
In Mexico there is no standardized vaccination program although the equine disease prevention program does make the following recommendations:
- Vaccine against equine rhinopneumonitis: the first dose is administered between 2 and 4 months, the booster dose is applied 3 months after and from this moment it is necessary to apply annually.
- Equine Influenza Vaccine: The first dose is given at 6 months of age, with a second dose given one month later. The third dose is given at 8 months and booster doses will be needed every 4 to 6 months.
- V cradle against tetanus: in pregnant mares it should be administered between 4 and 6 weeks before delivery. In all other cases, it requires a first dose and a booster dose, after which the vaccination will be carried out annually.
- Venezuelan equine encephalitis vaccine: this is a viral disease that causes fever, prostration, malaise, weakness, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite, the disease can progress to neurological symptoms that indicate inflammation of the brain such as seizures or drowsiness, in severe cases it can cause death. The first dose of the vaccine is administered at 4 months and thereafter the reinforcement is annual, administering the vaccine during the spring.
- Vaccine against rabies: this is a fatal neurological disease of viral origin that can also be transmitted to humans and causes significant inflammation encephalic It is not common to see it in horses but in endemic areas annual vaccination is recommended, except in the case of pregnant females.
- Equine mumps vaccine: This is a bacterial disease that affects the upper respiratory tract and is highly contagious, finally ends up manifesting through purulent abscesses that appear in the region of the trachea. The vaccine should be administered annually, although in the event of an outbreak, various applications can be made.
- West Nile Virus Vaccine: This is a viral disease that causes encephalitis and manifests itself through neurological symptoms such as anorexia, inability to swallow, facial paralysis, and behavioral disturbances. It can be lethal. The first dose is administered at 6 months and for complete immunization 1 or 2 more doses are required, subsequently it should be administered every 6 months.
