Fall Vaccinations

As temperatures begin to cool with the arrival of fall, now is a good time to schedule your horses for fall vaccines.  There are two categories of vaccines - core vaccinations and risk-based vaccinations.  Core vaccines include Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE and EWE), Tetanus and West Nile Virus and should be included in vaccination programs regardless of geographical locations. Risk-based vaccines such as Botulism, Potomac Horse Fever, Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EVH-4), and Equine Influenza should be given based on the risk of disease in a herd population or geographical area.  

In North Carolina, particularly in the eastern part of the state, it is highly recommended all horses regardless of age or travel status receive a fall booster of Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis, a mosquito-born disease.  On September 16, 2021, a second and  third confirmed case of EEE was confirmed in eastern North Carolina for the year.  EEE has a high mortality rate in unvaccinated horses and treatment options are limited and often ineffective. Other fall boosters to consider include EHV-1 and EHV-4 and Influenza, particularly for horses in boarding operations of travel for shows and trail rides.  

Regardless of your location or the time of the year, any vaccination plan, should be developed with your veterinarian to ensure the best disease coverage is maintained for your horse.  The American Association of Equine Practitioners also has an very informative recommendation chart to study to become better more familiar with your options: https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/Adult_Vaccinaton_Chart.pdf