There has been a lot of debate about horse vaccines and their compulsions across the world. Very recently, the wave of anti-vaxxers on social media has given rise to new discussions, controversies, and concerns about equine health and the threats posed by compulsory vaccines. Vaccines, as well as booster doses, provide the horses acquired immunity against severe viral infections and bacterial diseases.
What are the compulsory equine vaccines?
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, there are four core vaccines including the eastern/western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus, rabies and West Nile virus. Although Hendra is a life-threatening viral disease in horses, it is extremely rare in the USA. The four core vaccines protect the horses from the four most threatening endemic diseases. Therefore, all horses in the USA need to complete their vaccination to reduce the risk of exposing the rest of the population as well as the human population to these highly infectious and potentially fatal diseases.
What are the risk-based vaccines for horses?
Several vaccines are not compulsory, but require administration as per increasing disease risk. Vaccination requirements and regimen vary between different regions. It is impossible for laypersons to develop vaccination programs on their own. Some regions experience high threat from botulism, anthrax, leptospirosis, equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, strangles and retroviral diarrhea. The equine experts and veterinarians in the area have special training to detect and treat these diseases, but at the same time, they can develop effective vaccination programs that can significantly reduce the chances of your precious horse developing any of these infections.
What is the vaccination status of the racing horses in the USA?
It is mandatory for all participants of thoroughbred races, quarter horse races and standardbred horse racesin the USA to complete their vaccines. That reduces the chances of exposing the other participants and their human handlers to potentially deadly infections. It also keeps the spectators near the tracks in a potential safe zone. Most of the racing stars people love to watch on TVG have completed their influenza and tetanus vaccine routines since all popular thoroughbred races require the participants to be in proper health.
Without preventive care, it is easy for racehorses, especially the foals, to develop infections of the hooves and intestines. Their diet and regular grooming routine have a significant effect on their health. Nonetheless, even the best diets and most attentive grooming fail to have enough protective effect on horses when there is a viral outbreak.
Horses benefit from equine vaccines
Contrary to the opinions of most anti-vaxxers we find online, equine vaccines are safe for horses and they show little to no contraindication. There are no effects on the overall health, output, intelligence and obedience of the equine friends upon completion of the vaccine programs. The initial costs of the vaccines can seem prohibitive for many horse owners, but the cost of losing a performing racehorse is a lot more than paying for the annual vaccines.
