Vaccinations

Tetanus – An extremely unpleasant disease to witness which is usually fatal. A horse doesn’t even need to leave home to be at risk of picking up tetanus. A small puncture wound can be all that is required for the bacteria to enter and in most cases the disease proves fatal despite attempts at treatment. It is caused by bacteria found in soil and horse droppings, which enter the body through wounds or punctures in the hoof. Horses will develop muscle stiffness resulting in a “rocking-horse” stance and “lock-jaw”.

Equine Influenza – A highly infectious viral disease which affects the respiratory tract and lungs. It is widespread throughout the horse population and spread directly horse-to-horse or via contaminated people, tack or feed. Signs include a dry, harsh cough, fever, nasal discharge and lethargy. Following a bout of ‘flu’, horses may need complete rest for at least 6 weeks, however there can often be secondary complications which may require longer treatment.

If you would like more information on the disease please click the link below, or visit our factsheets page.

Strangles – A relatively new intramuscular vaccine called Strangvac, provides immunity against the Strep equi bacteria that we associate with the disease known as Strangles. This is not a live vaccine so there is no risk of your horse getting Strangles from the vaccine. It will not interfere with interpretation of the strangles tests. The vaccine cannot give a 100% guarantee that your horse will not become infected, however, within a yard outbreak the protection means that for the majority of horses exposed to the disease we would expect to see minimal clinical symptoms.

If you would like more information on the disease please click the link below, or visit our factsheets page.