Equine Vaccinations

At Aireworth Vets we strongly recommend that all horses, ponies and donkeys are regularly vaccinated against the three most common diseases: 'Flu', Tetanus and Equine Herpes.  This is especially important if horses and ponies regularly compete, attend pony club or are breeding animals.

Equine Influenza or 'Flu' is one of the main diseases that we vaccinate horses against.  Most affiliated competition organisations require horses to be vaccinated against 'Flu' in accordance with the Jockey Club Rules:  These give specific guidelines regarding vaccination intervals.

Flu Vaccine Course:
1st vaccine
2nd vaccine – 21-92 days
3rd vaccine – 150-215 days

Following this initial course, anual boosters are required (i.e.no more than 365 days apart).

Tetanus vaccination is recommended to protect horses from this disease that is commonly called 'Lockjaw'.  Horses can be exposed to the bacteria that cause this disease through wounds and small cuts in the skin.

Tetanus Vaccine Course:
1st vaccine
2nd vaccine – 4weeks  (28days)

After this initial course, boosters are required every other year (i.e. every 24 months).

Foals can be vaccinated against Tetanus from 4 months of age.

Equine Herpes virus can be responsible for both respiratory disease (coughing – nasal discharge) and abortion in horses.  To protect against the respiratory disease the following vaccination course is recommended.

Equine Herpes Vaccine Course:
1st vaccine
2nd vaccine – 28days or 4 weeks

Following this initial course, booster vaccines are required every 6 months.

To protect against abortion in pregnant mares vaccines are required at 5, 7 & 9 months of gestation.

Foals can be vaccinated against Herpes virus from 6 months of age.

Breeding animals – we strongly recommend that all mares are regularly vaccinated against Influenza and Tetanus and that Herpes virus vaccination is considered during pregnancy.