Equine influenza 

Equine influenza is caused by a virus. This virus has several strains, but they all result insimilar clinical signs – fever, cough, lethargy, nasal discharge, reduced appetite, etc. When asecondary bacterial infection occurs, nasal discharge often turns yellow or green. It is adebilitating and highly infectious disease, meaning it can easily be transmitted from one horseto another if they are not vaccinated. Typically, the virus spreads through respiratorysecretions or direct contact with other horses.

It is recommended to vaccinate your horse/pony against influenza, especially if it is in astable where there is intensive horse movement. Additionally, horses should be vaccinated ifthey participate in competitions. The primary vaccination consists of two doses, with thesecond dose administered between 21 – 60 days. The first booster is given after 6 months,and subsequent boosters are administered once a year. However, for participation in FEI competitions, boosters should be administered every 6 months.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Horses, compared to otherspecies, are particularly sensitive to tetanus. Clostridium tetani bacteria usually enter througha wound. These bacteria produce a toxin that triggers muscle contractions. Infected horsestypically appear distressed, assume a forced posture with extended limbs, experience fever, and often, when the head is raised the protrusion of the third eyelid is seen. Due to musclecontractions, horses find it difficult or even impossible to open their mouths, making itimpossible for them to eat or drink. Death often occurs within a few hours/days. 

Fortunately, this disease can be prevented through vaccination. The prognosis for any horse infected with tetanus is very guarded to poor, it is a highlypainful condition for both the horse and the owner. Therefore, we recommend vaccination for all horses. For primary vaccination, two injections are needed with a 3-week interval starting at 3months of age. Revaccination is recommended every 2-4 years, with the option for earlierrevaccination in specific risk situations.

Equine Herpes Virus

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a contagious viral infection that affects horses worldwide.There are several types of EHV, with EHV-1 and EHV-4 being the most common. EHV cancause respiratory, neurological, and reproductive issues in horses. EHV-1 is particularlyconcerning as it is associated with abortion in pregnant mares, as well as neurologicaldisorders. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions and direct horse-to-horse contact. Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure to reduce the severity of symptoms, prevent thespread of the virus, and protect against reproductive risks, especially in pregnant mares. Effective biosecurity practices and adherence to recommended vaccination schedules areessential components of EHV management in the equine community.

To reduce the widespread occurrence of equine herpesvirus-caused abortions, pregnant mares are vaccinated in the 5th month after breeding or insemination, followed by 2 booster shots in the 7th and 9th months of pregnancy.