Spring Health

With the spring season hitting us in full bloom it is time to really start thinking about the health of your horse. Spring brings out the best in pastures but also brings out flying insects and flies, and the ugly word Mosquitoes. Getting your horses their spring shots is one of the most important issues a horse owner can tackle during this time of year. Every region is going to differ in the shots needed for this time of year but most veterinarians are going to recommend a coggins, west nile, rabies and either a four way or five way vaccine. Most four and five ways are going to include tetanus, EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis), WEE (Western Equine Encephalomyelitis), and influenza. Along with these recommended vaccines horse owners also need to pay special attention to internal and external parasites. With livestock animals and horses becoming immune to the wormers we have available today, we need to make sure we are worming correctly. Due to the unseasonably warm winter and spring we are having parasites are going to be out in full forces and we want to make sure our horses are protected. If you need more information on spring vaccines or help with worming issues please contact your local Extension Office. Also make sure you have a client, patient relationship with your local large animal veterinarian. If you do not have one, your local Extension Agent can help you find one. This information was obtained from the “Horse Industry Handbook”.

Written by Jared Harrell, Area Livestock Agent - Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties