Equine Vaccination Protocols

VACCINATIONS FOR ADULT HORSES

** ALL VACCINATION PROGRAMS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN CONSULTATION WITH A LICENSED VETERlNARIAN** CORE VACCINATIONS protect against diseases that are endemic to a region, are virulent/highly contagious, pose a risk of severe disease, those having potential public health significance, and/or are required by law. Core vaccines have clearly demonstrable efficacy and safety, with a high enough level of patient benefit and low enough level of risk to justify their use in all equids.

Broodmares

Other Adult Horses
(> 1 year of age)
previouslv vaccinated against the
disease indicated

Other Adult Horses
(> 1 year of age)
unvaccinated or lacking vaccination history

DISEASE

COMMENTS

Tetanus

Previously vaccinated:
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum
Previous(v unvaccinated or having
unknown vaccination history:
2-dose series
2nd dose 4-6 weeks after 1 st dose.
Revaccinate 4-6 weeks pre-partum

Annual

2-dose series
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1 st dose.
Annual revaccination

Booster at time of penetrating injury
or prior to surgery if last dose was
administered over 6 months previously.

Eastern /
Western
Equine
Encephalo-
myelitis
(EEE/WEE)

Previously vaccinated:
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum
Previously unvaccinated or having
unknown vaccination history:
2-dose series
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose.
Revaccinate 4-6 weeks pre-
partum.

Annual - spring, prior to onset of
vector season.

2-dose series
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1 st dose.
Revaccinate prior to the onset of
the next vector season.

Consider 6-month revaccination
interval for:
1) Horses residing in endemic areas
2) Immunocompromised horses

West Nile
Virus
(WNV)

Previously vaccinated: Annual, 4 - 6
weeks pre-partum
Unvaccinated or lacking vaccination
history:
It is preferable to vaccinate naive
mares when open.
In areas of high risk, initiate primary
series as described for unvaccinated,
adult horses.

Annual - spring, prior to onset of
vector season

Inactivated vaccine: 2-dose series
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1 st dose.
Revaccinate prior to the onset of
the next vector season.
Recombinant canary pox vaccine:
2-dose series
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1 stl dose.
Revaccinate prior to the onset of
the next vector season.
Flavivirus chimera vaccine:
Single dose
Revaccinate prior to the onset of the
next vector season.

When using the inactivated or the
recombinant product, consider 6-month
revaccination interval for:
1) Horses residing in endemic areas
2) Juvenile (<5 yrs of age)
3) Geriatric horses (> 15 yrs of age)
4) Immunocompromised horses

Rabies

Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum
OR Prior to breeding*

Annual

Single dose
Annual revaccination

*Due to the relatively long duration of
immunity, this vaccine may be given
post-foaling but prior to breeding and thus reduce the number of vaccines given to a mare pre-partum.

RISK-BASED VACCINES are selected for use based on risk assessment** performed by, or in consultation with, a licensed veterinarian. Use of these vaccines may vary between individuals, populations, and/or geographic regions.
Note: Vaccines are listed in this table in alphabetical order, not in order of priority for use.
**Refer to "Principles of Vaccination" in main document for criteria used in performing risk assessment.

Broodmares

Other Adult Horses
(> 1 year of age)
previously vaccinaled against the disease indicated

Other Adult Horses
(> 1 year of age) unvaccinated or lacking vaccination history

DISEASE

COMMENTS

Anthrax

Not recommended during gestation

Annual

2-dose series
2nd dose 3-4 weeks after 1st dose.
Annual revaccination.

Do not administer concurrently
with antibiotics.
Use caution during storage,
handling and administration.
Consult a physician immediately
If human exposure to vaccine
occurs by accidental injection,
ingestion, or otherwise through
the conjunctiva or broken skin.

Botulism

Previously vaccinated:
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum previously unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination history:
3-dose series
• 1st dose at 8 months gestation.
• 2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose.
• 3rd dose 4 weeks after 2nd dose.

Annual

3-dose series
• 2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose.
• 3rd dose 4 weeks after 2nd dose.
Annual revaccination

Equine
Herpesvirus
(EHV)

3-dose series with product labeled
for protection against EHV
abortion.
Give at 5, 7 and 9 months of
gestation.

Annual (see comments)

3-dose series
• 2nd dose 4-6 weeks after 1st dose.
• 3rd dose 4-6 weeks after 2nd dose.

Consider 6-month revaccination
interval for:
• Horses less than 5 years of age.
• Horses on breeding farms or in contact with pregnant mares.
• Performance or show horses at high risk.

Equine Viral
Arteritis
(EVA)

Not recommended unless high risk.

Annual
Stallions. teasers: Vaccinate 2 -
4 weeks before breeding season.
Afares: Vaccinate when open.

Single dose (See comments)

Prior to initial vaccination,
intact males and any horses
potentially intended for export
should undergo serologic testing
and be confirmed negative for
antibodies to EAV. Testing
should be performed shortly prior
to, or preferably at the time of
vaccination.

Influenza

Previously vaccinated:
Inactivated vaccine: Semi-annual
with one dose administered 4 - 6
weeks pre-partum.
Canary pox vector vaccine:
Semi-annual with one dose
administered 4 - 6 weeks
pre-partum.
Previolls(v unvaccinated or having
unknown vaccination histOlY:
Inactivated vaccine: 3-dose series
• 2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose.
• 3rd dose 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum.
Canarv pox vector vaccine:
2-dose series
• 2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st
dose but no later than 4 weeks
pre-partum

Horses with ongoing risk of exposure: Semi-annual.
Horses at low risk of exposure:
Annual.

Modified live vaccine:
Single dose administered intranasally.
Revaccinate semi-annually to annually.
Inactivated vaccine: 3-dose series
• 2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose.
• 3rd dose 3 - 6 months after 2nd dose.
Revaccinate semi-annually to annually.
Canarv pox vector vaccine: 2-dose series
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose.
Revaccinate semi-annually.

Potomac Horse
Fever
(PHF)

Previously vaccinated: Semi-annual,
with one dose given 4 - 6 weeks pre-
partum.
Previously unvaccinated or having
unknown vaccination history:
2-dose series
•
1st dose 7-9 weeks pre-
partum.
•
2"d dose 4-6 weeks pre-
partum.

Semi-annual to annual

2-dose series
2nd dose 3-4 weeks after 1st dose.
Semi-annual or annual booster

A revaccination interval of 3 - 4
months may be considered in
endemic areas when disease risk
is high.

Rotavirus

3-dose series
•
1st dose at 8 months
gestation.
•
2"d and 3rd doses at 4-week
intervals thereafter.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Strangles
Streptococcus equi

Previously vaccinated:
Killed vaccine containing M-
protein): Semi-annual with one dose given 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum.
Previously unvaccinated or having
unknown vaccination history:
Killed vaccine containing M-
protein): 3-dose series
• 2nd dose 2 - 4 weeks after
1st dose.
• 3rd dose 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum.

Semi-annual to annual

Killed vaccine containing AI-protein:
2-3 dose series
• 2nd dose 2 - 4 weeks after 1st dose.
• 3rd dose (where
recommended by manufacturer) 2 - 4 weeks
after 2nd dose.
Revaccinate semi-annually.
Modified live vaccine: 2-dose series administered intranasally.
2nd dose 3 weeks after 1st dose.
Revaccinate semi-annually to annually.

Vaccination is not recommended
as a strategy in outbreak mitigation .

Vaccinations for Adult Horses developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee, 2008.

VACCINATIONS FOR FOALS
**ALL VACCINATION PROGRAMS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN CONSULTATION WITH A LICENSED VETERlNARIAN** The two categories below reflect differences in the foal's susceptibility to disease and ability to mount an appropriate immune response to vaccination based on the presence ( or absence) of maternal antibodies derived from colostrum. The phenomenon of maternal antibody interference is discussed in the text portion of these guidelines.
CORE VACCINATIONS protect against diseases that are endemic to a region, those with potential public health significance, required by law, virulent/highly infectious, and/or those posing a risk of severe disease. Core vaccines have clearly demonstrated efficacy and safety, and thus exhibit a high enough level of patient benefit and low enough level of risk to justify their use in all equids.

Foals and Weanlings
(<12 months of age)
Of mares vaccinated in the prepartum period against the disease indicated

Foals and Weanlings
(<12 months of age)
Of unvaccinated mare

DISEASE

COMMENTS

Tetanus

3-dose series:
• 1st dose at 4 - 6 months of age
• 2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after the 1st dose
• 3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age

3-dose series:
I st dose at 1 - 4 months of age
2nd dose 4 weeks after the 1 1st dose
3rd dose 4 weeks after 2nd dose

Eastern/Western Equine
Encephalomyelitis
(EEE/WEE)

3-dose series:
1 st dose at 4 - 6 months of age*
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next vector season.
* Foals in the Southeastern USA: The primary vaccination series should be initiated with an additional dose at 3 months of age due to early seasonal vector presence.

3-dose series:
1st dose at 3 - 4 months of age*
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next
vector season.
* Foals in the Southeastern USA:
The primary vaccination series should be initiated at 3 months of age due to early seasonal vector presence.

Note: Primary vaccination series scheduling may be amended with vaccinations administered earlier to younger foals that are at increased disease risk due to the presence of vectors.
A foal born during the vector season may warrant beginning vaccination at an earlier age than a foal born prior to the vector season.

Rabies

2-dose series:
1st dose at 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate annually
Inactivated vaccine *

1-dose series:
1 dose at 3 - 4 months of age
Revaccinate annually
Inactivated vaccine*

Note: For foals of mares of unknown vaccinal history, there are two options to consider. Please view the complete rabies section at www.aaep.org/rabies.htm for more information.

West Nile Virus
(WNV)

3-dose series:
1st dose at 4 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks alter I" dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age,
prior to the onset of the next vector
season.
Recombinant canary pox vaccine
3-dose series:
151 dose at 5 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1 st dose
3rd dose at 10-12 months of age,
prior to the onset of the next vector
season.
Flavivirus chimera vaccine
2-dose series:
1'1 dose at 5-6 months of age
2nd dose at 10-12 months of age,
prior to the onset of the next vector
season.
* Foals in the Soutlteastem USA:
Due to early seasonal vector presence, the primary vaccination series should be initiated earlier with the addition of a dose at 3 months of age.

3-dose series:
1st dose at 3 - 4 months of age
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1 SI dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age,
prior to the onset of the next
vector season.
Recombinant canary pox vaccine
3-dose series:
Ist dose at 5 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 10- 12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next vector season.
Flavivirus chimera vaccine
2-dose series:
1st dose at 5 - 6 months of age
2nd dose at 10 - 12 months of age prior to the onset of the next vector season.
*Fouls in the Southeastern USA:
Due to early seasonal vector presence, the primary vaccination series should be initiated at 3 months of age.

Note:
Primary vaccination series scheduling may be amended with vaccinations administered to younger foals that are at increased risk of exposure due to the presence of vectors.
A foal born during the vector season may warrant initiation of the primary vaccination series at an earlier age than a foal born prior to the vector season.
There is no data for the use of the recombinant or chimera product in foals < 5 months of age. If either product is administered to foals at < 5 months of age, the recommended primary schedule should still be completed.

RISK-BASED VACCINATIONS are those having applications which may vary between individuals, populations, and geographic regions, Risk assessment should be performed by, or in consultation with, a licensed veterinarian to identify which vaccines are appropriate for a given horse or population of horses, The listing of a vaccine here is not a recommendation for its inclusion into a vaccination program, Vaccine scheduling is provided for use after it has been determined which, if any, risk-based vaccines are indicated, Note: vaccines are listed in this table in alphabetical order not in order of priority for use,

Foals and Weanlings
(<12 months of age) of mares vaccinated in the prepartum
period against the disease indicated

Foals and Weanlings
(<12 months of age) of unvaccinated mares

DISEASE

COMMENTS

Anthrax

Not applicable. As it is not
recommended to vaccinate mares during pregnancy there will be no foals of mares vaccinated prepartum

No age specific guidelines are
available for this vaccine.
Manufacturer'srecommendation is for primary series of 2 doses administered subcutaneously at a 2 - 3 week interval.

Antimicrobial drugs must not be given concurrently with this vaccine.
Caution should be used during storage. handling and administration of this live bacterial product. Consult a physician immediately should accidental human exposure
(via mucus membranes, conjunctiva or broken skin) occur.

Botulism

3-dose series:
1st dose 2 - 3 months of age
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose 4 weeks after 2nd dose

3-dose series:
1st dose 1 - 3 months of age
2nd dose 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose 4 weeks after 2nd dose

Maternal antibody does not interfere with vaccination; foals at high risk may be vaccinated as early as 2 weeks of age.

Equine Herpesvirus
(EHV)

Inactivated or modified live vaccine
3-dose series:
1st dose 4 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age
Revaccinate at 6-11 month intervals.

Inactivated or modified live vaccine
3-dose series:
1st dose at 4 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age
Revaccinate at 6-month intervals.

Equine Viral Arteritis
(EVA)

Colt (male) foals: Single dose at 6 - 12 months of age (see comments).

Colt (male) foals: Single dose at 6 - 12 months of age (see comments).

Prior to initial vaccination, colt (male) foals
should undergo serologic testing and be confirmed negative for antibodies to EAV. Testing should be performed shortly prior to, or preferably at, the time of vaccination. As foals can carry colostral derived antibodies to EAV for up to 6 months, testing and vaccination should not be performed prior to 6 months of age.

Equine Influenza

Inactivated vaccine
3-dose series:
1st dose at 6 months of age
2nd dose 3 - 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age
Modified live vaccine
2-dose series administered
intranasally:
1st dose at 6 - 7 months of age
2nd dose at 11 - 12 months of age
Revaccinate at 6-month intervals.

Inactivated vaccine
3-dose series:
1 st dose at 6 months of age
2nd dose 3 - 4 weeks afte7- 151 dose
3rd dose at 10 - 12 months of age
Modified live vaccine
2-dose series administered
intranasally:
1st dose at 6 - 7 months of age
2nd dose at 11 - 12 months of age
Revaccinate at 6-month intervals.

An increased risk of disease may warrant
vaccination of younger foals. Because some maternal anti-influenza antibody is likely to be present, a complete series of primary
vaccinations should still be given after 6 months of age.

Potomac Horse Fever
(PHF)

2-dose series:
1st dose at 5 months of age
2 nd dose 3 - 4 weeks after 1st dose

2-dose series:
1st dose at 5 months of age
2nd dose 3 - 4 weeks after 1st dose

If risk warrants, vaccine may be administered to
younger foals. Subsequent doses are to be
administered at 4-week intervals until 6 months
of age.

Rotavirus

Not recommended in foals

Not recommended in foals

Strangles
Streptococcus equi

Killed vaccine
3-dose series:
1 st dose at 4 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 2nd dose
Modified live vaccine
3-dose series administered
intranasally:
1st dose at 6 - 9 months of age
2nd dose 3 - 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 11 - 12 months of age

Killed vaccine
3-dose series:
1st dose at 4 - 6 months of age
2nd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose 4 - 6 weeks after 2nd dose
Modified live vaccine
3-dose series administered
intranasally:
1st dose at 6 - 9 months of age
2nd dose 3 - 4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose at 11 - 12 months of age

Vaccination is not recommended as a strategy in outbreak mitigation.
If risk warrants, the modified live vaccine
(MLV) may be safely administered to foals as
young as 6 weeks of age. However, vaccine
efficacy in this age group has not been
adequately studied. If MLV is administered to
younger foals, a 3rd dose of vaccine should
then be administered 2 - 4 weeks prior to
weaning.

Vaccinations for Foals developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee, 2008.