Monday, July 25, 2016

Hitching and Unhitching Farm Equipment – A Good Time to be Careful!

Kent McGuire of the Ohio State University Extension Ag Safety and Heath Program has put together a list of safety do’s and don’ts to pay attention to when hitching and unhitching farm equipment and trucks and trailers.  That list can be found online at http://agsafety.osu.edu/newsletter/ag-safety-stat/may-2016/injury-prevention/hitchingunhitching-safety-farm-equipment.  I’ll summarize some of the points he makes here.

Most farm safety concerns are a matter of common sense, and we all are cautious when first encountering or dealing with something unfamiliar.  However, if we repeat something over and over again, folks tend to ease up on being cautious and not be as safety conscious.  Also, at times we tend to get in a hurry, like when rain is threatening and we need to unhitch the hay rake and hitch up the baler quickly.  Corners will get cut now and then in order to save a few minutes of time.  Most of the time, this works out OK, but when it doesn’t, lets just say that farm equipment is not very forgiving and will cause serious injury.  Time saved doesn’t mean much in these cases.  Please review this list of safety items as a reminder that we all can practice safety and incorporate smooth thinking into our safety practices.  Remember the slogan: "slow is smooth and smooth is fast" and think about how to apply that in practicing safety on the horse farm.

As Mr. McGuire points out, hitching and unhitching equipment is one of the most common tasks on a farm.  The operator has to perform a lot of little tasks in order to get the tractor and equipment hooked together correctly to perform work.  Those little tasks include inserting hitch pins, adjusting a jack stand, attaching safety chains, connecting hydraulic lines, connecting a PTO shaft, and/or plugging in electrical components.  Common injuries sustained when hitching/unhitching are caused by pinch points, crush points, blunt trauma, and run-over.  Muscle strain can also be sustained by trying to move equipment to line up hitch points.  Cuts and scrapes are common when working to hitch or unhitch equipment.

Safety guidelines to follow include:
  • Read the owners manual before use.
  • Make sure the hitch category of the equipment matches the tractor hitch category.
  • Use low gears and low engine RPMs to reduce sudden movements when approaching of pulling away from an implement.
  • Tractor operators and ground assistants should keep visual contact and communicate at all times.
  • Ground assistants should stay clear of wheels until the tractor and implement are lined up ready to be hitched.  Leave an escape route in case of unexpected movement of the tractor or implement.
  • Use only approved hitch pins.  Replace hitch pins that are worn, bent, or broken.
  • Lock or secure hitch pins with retainer clips.
  • Shut off the engine, place transmission in park (if equipped), and set the parking brake on the tractor before connecting hydraulic lines, electrical lines, and/or PTO shafts.
  • Make sure pressure is released before connecting/disconnecting hydraulic lines.
  • Use proper lifting techniques to reduce sprains/ strains when moving or lifting the implement tongue.
  • Use an approved size tongue jack that is attached to the implement to support the implement.  Temporary jacks can kick out or fail if the implement moves.
  • Remove all connections before moving the tractor away from an implement after unhitching.
  • Hitch/unhitch on level sites.  If a sloped area must be used, chock the wheels of wheeled implements to prevent movement.

Ohio State University Extension has more fact sheets and youtube videos on farm safety available at www.agsafety.osu.edu.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Vaccination schedule for your horse




Most horse owners are aware that there are certain vaccines required to be able to compete in events with your horse or even travel.  There are a set of core vaccines that every horse should receive regardless of if they ever leave your farm or not.  The mosquitoes seem especially bad this year, likely due to all of the rain we have received and since a lot of our really nasty equine diseases are carried by the mosquito it is important to make sure your horses are up to date on all of their vaccines.  Make sure you talk to your vet about what risk-based vaccines they recommend for your area.
Vaccination timing is a little different for horses in different life stages.  Broodmares, adult horses and foals all have different vaccination requirements and schedules.  Below are tables broken down into these life stage categories as well as core vaccines and risk-based vaccines.


***ALL VACCINATION PROGRAMS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN CONSULTATION WITH A LICENSED VETERINARIAN***


Broodmares:

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.

Disease
Previously vaccinated against the disease indicated
Previously unvaccinated or having and unknown vaccination history
Tetanus
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum


  2-dose series 
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st
Revaccinate 4-6 weeks pre-partum
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum

 2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4 weeks after 1st
Revaccinate 4-6 weeks pre-partum
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum

It is preferable to vaccinate naïve mares when open.
Rabies
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum
OR
Prior to breeding
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum
OR
Prior to breeding

RISK-BASED VACCINES Note: Vaccines are listed in this table in alphabetical order, not in order of priority or use 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
Disease
Previously vaccinated against the disease indicated
Previously unvaccinated or having an unknown vaccination history
Anthrax
Not recommended during gestation
Not recommended during gestation
Botulism
Annual, 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum


 3-dose series
·         1st dose-at 8 months gestation
·         2nd dose-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-4 weeks after 2nd dose 
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
3-dose series with product labeled for protection against EHV abortion.

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

     Give at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation.
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
Not recommended unless high risk
Not recommended unless high risk
Influenza
 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

Inactivated vaccine: 
3-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-4-6 weeks pre-partum
Canary pox vector vaccine:
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st but no later than 4 weeks pre-partum
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
Semi-annual, with one dose given 4-6 weeks pre-partum


2-dose series
·         1st dose-7-9 weeks pre-partum
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks pre-partum
Rotavirus
3-dose series
·         1st dose-at 8 months gestation
·         2nd and 3rd doses-at 4-week intervals thereafter
3-dose series
·         1st dose-at 8 months gestation
2nd and 3rd doses-at 4-week intervals thereafter
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Killed vaccine containing M-protein:  Semi-annual with one dose given at 4-6 weeks pre-partum


Killed vaccine containing M-protein: 
3-dose series
·         2nd dose-2-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-4-6 weeks pre-partum

Non-pregnant Adult Horses:

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.
Disease
Previously vaccinated against the disease indicated
(>1 year of age)
Unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination history
(>1 year of age)
Tetanus
Annual
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose.
Annual revaccination
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
Annual-spring, prior to onset of vector season
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate prior to onset of the next vector season
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Annual-spring, prior to onset of vector season
Inactivated whole virus vaccine:  2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate prior to onset of the next vector season

Recombinant canary pox vaccine:
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate prior to onset of the next vector season

Inactivated flavivirus chimera vaccine:
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate prior to onset of the next vector season
Rabies
Annual
Single dose
Annual revaccination

RISK-BASED VACCINES Note: Vaccines are listed in this table in alphabetical order, not in order of priority or use 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
Disease
Previously vaccinated against the disease indicated
(>1 year of age)
Unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination history
(>1 year of age)
Anthrax
Annual
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
Annual revaccination
Botulism
Annual
3-dose series
·         2nd dose-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-4 weeks after 2nd dose
Annual revaccination
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
Annual
3-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-4-6 weeks after 2nd dose
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
Annual

Stallion, teasers: Vaccinate 2-4 weeks before breeding season

Mares:  Vaccinate when open
Single dose*
*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
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

Canary pox vector vaccine:
2-dose series
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate semi-annually
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
Semi-annual to annual
2-dose series
·         2nd dose 3-4 weeks after 1st dose
Semi-annual or annual booster
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Semi-annual to annual
Killed vaccine containing M-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

Foals and Weanlings

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.
Disease
Of mares vaccinated in the pre-partum period against the disease indicated
(<12 months of age)
Of unvaccinated mare
(<12 months of age)
Tetanus
3-dose series
·         1st dose-4-6 months of age
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-10-12 months of age
3-dose series
·         1st dose-1-4 months of age
·         2nd dose-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-4 weeks after 2nd dose
Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
3-dose series
·         1st dose-4-6 months of age*
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-10-12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next vector season
*Foals born 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-3-4 months of age*
·         2nd dose-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-60 day interval after 2nd dose
*Foals born in Southeastern USA:  The primary vaccination series should be initiated at 3 months of age due to early seasonal vector presence
Rabies
2-dose series
·         1st dose-6 months of age
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
2-dose series
·         1st dose-3-4 months of age
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Inactivated whole virus vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-4-6 months of age
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-10-12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next vector season

Recombinant canary pox vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-4-6 months of age
·         2nd dose-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-10-12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next vector season

Inactivated flavivirus chimera vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-4-6 months of age
·         2nd dose-4-6 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-10-12 months of age, prior to the onset of the next vector season

Foals in the Southeast 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
Inactivated whole virus vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-3-4 months of age
·         2nd dose-30 days after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-60 day interval after 2nd dose

Recombinant canary pox vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-3-4 months of age
·         2nd dose-30 days after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-60 day interval after 2nd dose

Inactivated flavivirus chimera vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-3-4 months of age
·         2nd dose-30 days after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-60 day interval after 2nd dose
(If primary series initiated during mosquito vector season, an interval of 3-4 weeks between the 2nd and 3rd doses is preferable to the above described 8 week interval.)

Foals in the Southeast USA:  Due to early seasonal vector presence, the primary vaccination series should be initiated at 3 months of age

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.
Disease
Of mares vaccinated in the pre-partum period against the disease indicated
(<12 months of age)
Of unvaccinated mare
(<12 months of age)
Anthrax
Not applicable as it is not recommended to vaccinate mare during pregnancy  there will be no foals of mares vaccinated pre-partum
No age specific guidelines are available for this vaccine.

Manufacturer’s recommendations is primary series of 2 doses administered subcutaneously at 2-3 week interval
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
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-10-12 months of age
Revaccinate at 6-month intervals
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-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*

Prior to initial vaccination, colt 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.
Colt (male) foals:  Single dose at 6-12 months of age*

Prior to initial vaccination, colt 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-6 months of age
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-10-12 months of age

Modified live vaccine:
2-dose series administered intranasally
·         1st dose-6-7 months of age
·         2nd dose-11-12 months of age

Canary pox vector vaccine:
2-dose series
·         1st dose-6 months
·         2nd dose-5 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate at 6-month interval

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

Modified live vaccine:
2-dose series administered intranasally
  • 1st dose-6-7 months of age
  • 2nd dose-11-12 months of age

Canary pox vector vaccine:
2-dose series
  • 1st dose-6 months
  • 2nd dose-5 weeks after 1st dose
Revaccinate at 6-month interval
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
2-dose series
·         1st dose-5 months of age
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
2-dose series
·         1st dose-5 months of age
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
Rotavirus
Not recommended in foals
Not recommended in foals
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Killed vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-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-6-9 months of age
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
·         3rd dose-11-12 months of age
Killed vaccine:
3-dose series
·         1st dose-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-6-9 months of age
·         2nd dose-3-4 weeks after 1st dose
3rd dose-11-12 months of age

--All tables and vaccination timing information taken from the American Association of Equine Practitioners