Vaccinations

 

Vaccinations are an essential part of your horse’s health, whether they are for a competition horse or a family companion. It is recommended that they are kept up to date to provide continuous immunity, and to comply with pony club, riding club, British eventing, British dressage, BSJA and many other regulatory authority rulings, including the BHA and FEI.

Vaccinations protect your horse against life threatening diseases such as tetanus and diseases that can severely affect its health and performance, such as equine influenza and herpes virus infection.

Horses can be vaccinated against influenza from six months of age, and an initial course must be completed before annual boosters are required.

We operate a text reminder service, whereby a text is sent to the first mobile number registered on the client’s contact list.

Our system is not infallible and it is possible that we have an incorrect or a previous groom’s number on our system. The message may not be delivered if the mobile is switched off or out of service at the time the reminders are sent.

We accept no responsibility for missed vaccinations. It is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure that vaccinations are done at the correct time, so please put the next date in your diary as soon as a vaccination is done.

Foals can be vaccinated from four months of age. If the mare was vaccinated the foal’s vaccines should be delayed until it is six months of age.  A second vaccination should be given four to eight weeks after the first. A third vaccination should be given at 12 months and then every other year thereafter.

Pregnant mares can be vaccinated during their fifth, seventh and ninth month of pregnancy to minimise the chance of herpes virus abortion.

Pregnant mares can be vaccinated during their eighth, ninth and tenth month of pregnancy to minimise the chance and severity of rotavirus diarrhoea in foals.

Horses competing in international competitions must meet the health requirements of both the FEI and the country in which they compete. These requirements protect the welfare of competing horses and prevent the spread of disease between horses and/ or countries.

This table provides an overview of the health requirements for FEI events. However, as the health and disease status of horses is also a national and governmental responsibility; there may be different requirements in each competition country. It is recommended to check with National Federations, show organisers and governmental veterinary authorities for the latest importation, vaccination and other health requirements. Failure to comply with the relevant import and export requirements can be a very expensive and disappointing experience

Whatever your concerns, give us a call. We are happy to talk to you about vaccinating your horse or read more on our Equine Fact Sheets linked below.

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