Vaccines stimulate an immune response by tricking horses’ bodies into believing that they are being attacked by a disease and creating antibodies and killer cells which will enable a strong, quick immune response should natural infection pursue.
Equine Influenza
The equine influenza (EI) virus is endemic in GB and spreads rapidly between individuals. Even horses that do not leave their home or mix with other horses may be at risk because the virus can spread over very long distances in airborne droplets. The disease is commonly fatal to foals, donkeys and mules.
There are 4 different equine influenza vaccinations on the market that are authorised, and in common use by equine vets in the UK.
Only one of these vaccines, that used by New Forest Equine Vets, has been updated to include the Florida Clade 2 strain of flu which has been responsible for almost all outbreaks in the UK since 2011. It is the only vaccine that complies with OIE regulations.
At New Forest Equine Vets we have invested in this influenza vaccination, because we are committed to providing the best preventative health care to our clients and patients.
Tetanus
The equine influenza (EI) virus is endemic in GB and spreads rapidly between individuals. Even horses that do not leave their home or mix with other horses may be at risk because the virus can spread over very long distances in airborne droplets. The disease is commonly fatal to foals, donkeys and mules.
There are 4 different equine influenza vaccinations on the market that are authorised, and in common use by equine vets in the UK.
Only one of these vaccines, that used by New Forest Equine Vets, has been updated to include the Florida Clade 2 strain of flu which has been responsible for almost all outbreaks in the UK since 2011. It is the only vaccine that complies with OIE regulations.
At New Forest Equine Vets we have invested in this influenza vaccination, because we are committed to providing the best preventative health care to our clients and patients.
Vaccination Schedules
Ensuring your horse if properly protected
Livery yards and competition authorities generally require that horses are vaccinated against equine influenza (EI) to comply with Jockey Club Rules which stipulate that:
- the 2nd Vaccine is administered 21-92 days after the 1st vaccine.
- the 3rd Vaccine is administered 150-215 days after the 2nd vaccine.
- the first annual booster is administered within 365 days of the 3rd vaccine
- boosters thereafter are administered within 365 days of the last vaccination.
These dates, however, are different to the dates recommended by the vaccine manufacturers to provide effective immunisation.
To comply with the ‘rules’ and ensure proper protection against equine influenza (EI) and tetanus (T), at New Forest Equine Vets we recommend the following schedules:
* Horses competing under FEI regulations must in addition be vaccinated against EI within 6 months of the 3rd vaccine and then receive EI boosters every 6 months.
Ensuring foals are adequately protected by maternally derived antibodies
Vaccination schedule for broodmares (EI and T) to provide immunity to the foal
