Greene, Lewis and Associates’ vaccination recommendations and protocols are based off the American Veterinary Medical Association’s core vaccines. In addition to the AVMA recommended core vaccines, GLA’s protocol reflects vaccination against diseases that are high risk or endemic in southern Louisiana. The following equine vaccines meet these criteria:
- Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis
- Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
- West Nile Virus
- Tetanus Toxoid
- Tetanus Antitoxin
- Influenza
- Rhinopneumonitis
- Strangles
- Rabies
These vaccines are often grouped together into various combinations to decrease the number of injections the horse receives.
- Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, Tetanus Toxoid, West Nile Virus, referred to as eastern, western, tetanus, west nile
- Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis, referred to as flu/rhino
- Strangles
- Rabies
Foals
Foals should receive an initial new foal exam at 12 hours of age which should include
- Tetanus Antitoxin
Tetanus Antitoxin differs from Tetanus Toxoid because it provides immediate short term immunity in situations where a foal is at risk of tetanus infection. Tetanus Toxoid is given in a 2 dose series with a 4-6 week interval between doses. Protective concentrations of the vaccination are usually attained within 14 days of the second dose of vaccine. The antitoxin will protect the foal until the 3 month vaccinations are started.
First vaccination at 3-4 months of age
- Eastern, western, tetanus, west nile
- Flu/rhino
- Strangles
Booster in 4-6 weeks following first series
- Eastern, western, tetanus, west nile
- Flu/rhino
- Strangles
- Rabies *given once a year and does not require a booster
Begin semi-annual vaccinations every 6 months with the rabies vaccination only requiring a booster every 12 months.
Weanlings through Adults
Semi-annual vaccinations: every 6 months
- Eastern, western, tetanus, west nile
- Flu/rhino
- Strangles
- Rabies, once a year
Pregnant Mares
Pregnant mares should continue on their normal semi-annual vaccination schedule. In addition to their routine vaccines, they will receive:
• Rhinopneumonitis, EHV-1 killed virus at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation, also referred to as the anti-abortion shot
• Vaccinate one month prior to foaling with:
- Eastern, western, tetanus, west nile
- Flu/rhino
- Strangles
- Rabies
Performance Horses
Horses that travel frequently, encounter stressful situations and/or are exposed to new
horses on a regular basis should receive:
- Semi-annual vaccinations
- Plus an additional flu/rhino booster every 3 months.
Other Vaccines Available
These are additional vaccines available. The use of these vaccinations may vary regionally, from population to population within an area, or between individual horses within a given population. Horses traveling to another area of the country may require a different vaccination protocol and owners should check with GLA prior to travel.
• Potomac Horse Fever
• Equine Viral Arteritis
• Anthrax
• Rotaviral Diarrhea
• Botulism