We recommend that all owners regularly vaccinate their animals to prevent serious and potentially life threatening disease.

The most common diseases we vaccinate against are tetanus, influenza and for race/competition horses and breeding stock equine herpes virus.

Owners of competition horses need to ensure their horses vaccination schedules align with the requirements of their sporting governing bodies and be aware these may be subject to change.

Tetanus

All horses and donkeys should be vaccinated against tetanus, which is commonly a fatal condition. Tetanus is caused by production of endotoxins by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani and can develop subsequent to wounds and even foot abscesses. If your horse sustains a wound and is not vaccinated you need to contact the surgery as soon as possible and your horse can be given tetanus antitoxin to prevent your horse developing tetanus. Vaccination is often given as a combination vaccine with equine influenza. A primary course of two vaccinations is given 4-6 weeks apart, followed by a booster in 12 months. Thereafter, vaccinations are usually given every 2 years. Primary vaccinations are usually started in horses over the age of 5 months but tetanus vaccination may be recommended in younger animals in some cases.

Equine Influenza (Flu)

Equine influenza is a seriously debilitating disease, rapidly spread from horse to horse. We offer multiple vaccine brands (in the event that your horse is allergic to one brand), and all are constantly adjusted according to current surveillance, as influenza is constantly changing. An initial primary course of 3 injections is required for horses more than 5 months old. The second is given between 21 and 92 days after the first and the third is given between 150 and 215 days after the second, and then booster vaccinations given annually thereafter. Most frequently vaccination for flu and tetanus is given as a combined vaccine.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

Equine herpesvirus occurs in horse populations worldwide. The two most common types are EHV-1, which causes respiratory disease in young horses, abortion in pregnant mares and paralysis in horses of all ages and types, and EHV-4, which usually only causes low-grade respiratory disease but can occasionally cause abortion. Following first infection horses can carry the virus as a latent (silent) infection that can reactivate at intervals throughout life.  Comprehensive information about EHV is available in the HBLB's Codes of Practice.