Thinking ahead for Breeding and Foaling Season

It is never too early to think and plan ahead, especially when a foal is on the line. Horses are normally bred during the months of May - August and foal during the following spring of the year. Breeding mares are a serious investment of money and time and being prepared for a successful foaling can help ensure safe delivery. This article linked below gives tips to care for the mare during the breeding and foaling season. 

https://extension.umn.edu/horse-health/caring-your-mare-during-breeding-and-foaling

Caring for an Orphan Foal

Though we don’t want to think about it happening, there are times when a foal becomes an orphan.  The mare may refuse the foal, or something more tragic happens.  First-foal mares are more likely to refuse their foal at first, but most of the time, she will accept her foal after a bit of time has passed and some work done by the owner. In either case, it is important to get colostrum into the newborn foal as soon after birth as possible to start building up the foal’s immune system. Most people don’t think about harvesting and storing colostrum from mares that have just foaled, but freezing some of this can be very valuable for an orphaned foal.

If a foal is orphaned, get the colostrum in ASAP as mentioned.  Once that is done, the foal must be taught to drink milk replacer from a bucket.  This is another item to keep on hand or to get very soon after receiving the orphan.  Mix the milk replacer according to label instructions, make sure it is warmed to body temperature, and get started teaching the foal to drink from the bucket.  Get some of the milk replacer on the fingers and let the foal taste the milk.  Gradually lead the foal’s mouth to the surface of the milk replacer, and hopefully it will realize that the milk replacer can be drunk right from the bucket.  Milk replacer can also be mixed and placed in bottles with large nipples such as those used for calves to get them started drinking, but at some point, transferring them to a bucket and drinking on their own will ease the work load a bit.  The majority of foals will start drinking after 2 or 3 offerings.  Most foals will drink small amounts frequently, so keep a small, continual supply ready.  If one is available, a “nurse mare” will work if there is a mare in early lactation of suitable temperament.

Offer a soft pelleted feed within a few weeks after birth in order to get the orphaned foal used to eating grain. Depending on grain consumption, foals can be weaned off milk replacer at around two months of age.

Housing orphaned foals near other horses will help reduce stress levels.  Also, a companion animal such as a goat has been used successfully to further reduce stress in orphans.  Management of orphans should encourage moving the orphaned foal in to contact with other foals as soon as possible.  Contact with other foals will increase grain consumption and will provide an equine companion for stress reduction.  After two or three months, most orphans can be placed with other foals who are being weaned.

This information and more on the foaling mare, care of the foal after birth, and weaning foals is available at http://articles.extension.org/pages/29126/horse-foaling-management-guidelines.

Feeding Orphaned Foals

From Dr. Holly Bedford, DVM University of Minnesota
Original Article here https://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/nutrition/feeding-orphaned-foals/

Mare's colostrum (first milk) is a rich source of antibodies that protect the foal from infection until the foal's immune system is fully developed. Unlike humans, horses do not receive any antibodies through the placenta prior to birth and therefore are dependent on colostrum. Absorption of colostrum from the foal's gastro-intestinal tract peaks within 6 to 12 hours after birth. By 18 to 24 hours of age, absorption is minimal. In general a, 100 pound foal requires a minimum of 2 to 3 quarts of colostrum within the first 6 to 8 hours of age. Foals should have an IgG test performed within 24 hours of age in order to ensure that they have absorbed adequate antibodies. In the event that equine colostrum is unavailable, intra venous administration of hyperimmunized equine plasma by your veterinarian is the best alternative to provide adequate protective antibodies to foals. Other alternatives to mare's milk include milk replacers, goat's milk, and cow's milk.
The best and most economical alternative to mare's milk is equine milk replacers. These replacers are specially formulated to meet a foal's nutritional needs and are the closest in content to mare's milk. Acidified milk replacers are preferable because acidification enhances nutrient digestibility and allows the reconstituted milk to stay fresh longer.
Goat's milk is the next best alternative to mare's milk. While the fat content is higher than mare's milk, it is highly emulsified and easier to digest than the fat found in cow's milk. Disadvantages of feeding goat's milk include the small packaged volume, the expense, and the greater risk of constipation.
While cow's milk can be fed to foals, it is lower in sugar than mares' milk and has twice the fat content, which can lead to diarrhea due to poor digestibility. If cow's milk is fed, it is best to feed 2% milk (lower in fat) and add dextrose (easily digestible type of sugar) to the milk to increase the carbohydrate content to match that of mare's milk. This can be accomplished by adding 40 millimeters of 50% dextrose solution to each quart of milk, or by adding a 2 ounce package of jam/jelly pectin to every 3 quarts of milk. Honey, corn syrup, or table sugar should not be used to increase the sugar content as these types of sweeteners contain sucrose which is poorly utilized by the foal and can cause diarrhea and colic. Non-pasteurized milk should be heated to 160 F for 15 seconds and allowed to cool prior to adding dextrose and feeding.
Calf milk replacers can be used for foals. When choosing a calf milk replacer, carefully read the ingredients list and only opt for products containing all milk proteins (skim milk, buttermilk, whey, casein) and avoid products containing soy protein, fish proteins, meat solubles, yeasts, or flours, and distiller's grain byproducts. Additionally, check the crude fiber, protein, and fat content. Appropriate levels for foals are: crude fiber < 0.2%, crude protein 20%, and fat 15%.
Foals should be feed 20 to 25% of their body weight per day (not per feeding). It is important to weigh the foal daily and adjust the daily feeding volume accordingly as the foal grows. Gradually, the volume of milk fed can be increased, while the frequency of feeding may be decreased. The average foal should gain approximately 2 pounds per day. If the foal fails to gain weight, the volume of milk or frequency should be increased. A general guideline for feeding normal healthy foals is to feed every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours through the night for the first 2 weeks (make sure to divide the total amount needed-about 25% of body weight - by the feeding frequency). Once the foal is consuming the calculated milk volume readily, the feedings can be spaced out to every 3 to 4 hours during the day, and 4 hours at night for another 1 to 2 weeks. By 1 month of age, most foals can be fed every 6 hours.

The Foaling Process

           The arrival of a new year with spring soon following means foaling season is here, a wonderful time of the year – as long as all goes as it should.  Every so often, however, Mother Nature throws us a curve and it is important that we know how to determine what is right and what is wrong.

Broodmares have an average gestation length of 343 days, but that range can vary give or take several days to occasionally even a week or longer.  A good rule of thumb is to begin watching them carefully 30 days prior to their expected delivery date.  As the time nears mares begin developing “wax” on their teats as the mammary gland begins producing colostrum, the antibody rich milk that provides necessary immunity for the foal.  Mares that have early mammary gland development (at day 320 or sooner) should be examined by a veterinarian, as this could be indicative of placentitis, or infection of the placenta, that could result in premature delivery or abortion of the foal.  Mares should receive aggressive treatment as soon as possible if there is a chance of deterring premature foaling or abortion.  Also, a mare that has reached a safe foaling date but has dripped a lot of milk before foaling may have inadequate colostrum for the foal, which means the foal will need additional veterinary attention.

When the mare has reached a safe foaling date, has begun to wax and you are carefully watching her every move, what is next?  There are three stages of labor to go through.  Stage one is the beginning of labor.  Mares become restless, paw, pace, and urinate a lot more than normal.  They’ll kick at their stomach, look at their sides, break out into a sweat and get up and down.  During this stage, the foal is moving into position in the birth canal.  This stage could last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two.  It is important to note that all these signs are also signs of colic, so if they continue for more than two hours, contact your veterinarian to be certain all is well. Also, occasionally, mares may exhibit all these signs then suddenly lay down and take a nap (while you are anxiously waiting outside the stall for her to get on with it) before starting all over again.   In rare instances, this stage is so short and unnoticeable, that before you have had time to blink the mare has already moved onto stage two of labor. The end of stage one is reached as the mare’s breaks water when the fetal membranes rupture and fluid rushes out of the mare.

Stage two is the actual delivery of the foal.  This is a quick stage that should last no more than 15 to 20 minutes if all goes well.  In normal foal presentations, both front feet should be presented slightly offset with the soles facing downward, and the foal’s nose should be resting on top of the front legs.  If the presentation is any different, as in only one foot, no nose seen, soles facing upward, or the mare pushing hard with nothing presenting at all, a possible dystocia is occurring and a veterinarian should be called to assist, particularly if the 20-minute mark of labor has passed. Also, should the front legs and head have come out but the mare is pushing hard with no further progress, the foal may be “shoulder-locked” or “hip-locked”, meaning the shoulder blades or hip bones have gotten stuck on the mare’s pelvis and she is unable to dislodge the foal further with her contractions.  Oftentimes, a gentle but steady slightly downward pull of the front legs while the mare is pushing could assist her, but again, time is critical at this stage and a veterinarian should be contacted for assistance.

The labor process reaches stage three when the foal is safely delivered and on the ground. If the foal is breathing and moving and the mare does not show any signs of distress, they should be left alone for several minutes.  At this time, if the umbilical cord wasn’t broken during birth it may break as the mare or foal start moving around but may require you to break it.  DO NOT CUT the cord as that may cause severe bleeding from the umbilicus. There is a narrow part of the cord about 1 inch from the foal’s umbilicus.  Grasp the cord on either side of that region and gently twist and pull apart to break.  The umbilical stump should be dipped in a betadine or chlorhexidine solution at that time and twice daily for another few days. To complete stage three, the mare should pass the placenta (afterbirth) within one to three hours of birth.  After the placenta is passed it should be carefully examined, preferably by a veterinarian, to ensure that it has passed intact and complete and is normal in color and thickness.  We need to be certain no part of the placenta remains in the uterus, which could cause severe illness in the mare, and an abnormally-appearing placenta may indicate infection which will affect the foal’s health.  If the placenta hasn’t passed after three hours, a veterinarian should be called for help as a retained placenta can cause severe infection and laminitis, possibly being fatal, if left untreated.

            Now that the three stages of labor are complete we can turn our attention to the foal.  Within five to ten minutes of delivery, normal foals will be sitting up on their sternums and most foals are able to stand and nurse on their own within an hour or two.  Monitor to be sure the foal is urinating easily and that the meconium – the first feces consisting of small hard balls – is passed. Foals and mares both should be examined by a veterinarian to check for any abnormalities after foaling.  An IgG test is also recommended on the foal to ensure proper transfer of antibodies from the mare’s colostrum to ensure healthy development of the foal’s immune system.

            Foaling season has always been my favorite time of the year, but it is a season that can be difficult and stressful on a person.  If you are in the foaling business or are just expecting the one foal out of your favorite mare, I cannot encourage you enough to develop a good relationship with a veterinarian that you can depend on and trust.  There are never any unnecessary or even dumb questions to ask your veterinarian about a foal or mare’s health as time is critical in decision-making when issues do arise.

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