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Equine Diseases & Vaccinations
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium commonly found in horse manure and soil and is a highly fatal infectious disease of all domestic animals produced by the toxin of Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by hypersensitivity to noise or touch, provoking painful muscular spasms and progressive muscle stiffness. Horses are the more susceptible species. The bacterium is able to enter the horse's body through cuts.
Symptoms include stiffness, acute anxiety, breathing difficulties, violent muscle spasms, convulsions and inability to eat and drink. Treatment is usually unsuccessful.
Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination. An annual booster is generally recommended although some vets give the tetanus vaccination every second year. Previously immunized mares should receive a booster one month before foaling to ensure colostral antibody protection against tetanus in the newborn foal. The foal should then be inoculated with tetanus at approximately two, three and six months of age and boosted after one year.
This is a highly contagious, viral disease that affects the upper respiratory tract and is transmitted by contact and by coughing. The incubation period is one to five days and horses remain infective for six to ten days after the onset of the symptoms.
Symptoms include a raised temperature for the first one to three days. This is followed by a harsh cough and a nasal discharge.
Most cases recover completely, but complications of pneumonia, pleurisy and/or damage to heart muscle sometimes occur, especially if precautions to minimize the effects of the disease are not taken. Foals, particularly those aged one to five months, may be severely affected by pneumonia.
The horse's resistance to infection can become lowered. Vaccination against influenza is highly effective and is now mandatory for all racehorses and for all horses using racecourse premises. The vaccination requirements are strict and tightly enforced. A primary course of two injections, 21-90 days apart, must be followed by a booster 150-215 days later. Subsequently a dose may be given annually within twelve months of the last injection. The vaccination booster should be given every twelve months.
Can cause serious respiratory disease, abortion and sometimes paralysis. The incubation period is one to ten days and horses can become carriers.
Symptoms include a raised temperature, coughing, swollen glands, lethargy and a nasal discharge.
The horse's resistance to infection can become lowered. The vaccination should be given every six months.
The British Equestrian Federation website will post any information from DEFRA regarding the Equine Herpes outbreak. Currently DEFRA have not imposed any restrictions on the movement of horses, competitions, etc.
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) - This is a relatively new disease to the UK. It arrived from Poland and causes flu-like symptoms and abortion. In addition it attacks the blood vessels. It is a very serious disease and is transmitted by both the veneral and respiratory routes. Any suspected cases should be reported to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs.
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