Vaccination Protocol

The aim of this protocol is safeguard horses on the yard from common and infectious illnesses such as Tetanus and Equine Influenza. Before a horse enters into our care their vaccination card is checked to verify that the horse is up to date with their vaccinations . A ny horse that comes to stay with us whose whereabouts or history is unknown will be placed in isolation for four to five weeks dependent on veterinary guidance. Our isolation procedures are designed to provide an enriched environment for the horse whilst also ensuring the health of all of the horses in our care.

We will not accept horses onto the yard unless a valid vaccination certificate accompanies the horse or is supplied before the horse arrives. The horse must be up to date for vaccinations to safeguard against Tetanus and Equine Influenza. Further we recommend that horses are up to date with vaccinations against Equine Herpes virus.

We request that all owners inform us before bringing their horse onto the yard if they believe that their horse may be unwell or have come into contact with a horse suffering from an infectious illness so that appropriate protective measures can be determined.

All vaccinations are administered by the owner's own veterinary surgeon.

Following vaccinations we will monitor the horse to ensure that there are no side effects. In the event that the horse appears unwell following the vaccination we will contact the horse's owner and their veterinary surgeon.

Tetanus

The incubation period for tetanus is one to three weeks. The first signs are progressive stiffness and a reluctance to move. Muscles in the region of the wound or hind limbs are normally first to be affected. Spasms of the head muscles cause difficulty in chewing combined with flaring of the nostrils and a classic startled expression, there may be a rise in body temperature. The ears may be erect, the tail held out and the animal's reflex reactions to sudden movements or noise are heightened causing more violent general spasms.

As the mortality rate for Tetanus may be as high as 90% whilst those horses who do recover require 6 weeks or more of convalescence, w e do not accept horses onto the yard unless they are up to date with their Tetanus injections as we feel that v accination is the only practical means of long-term protection.

Tetanus can be found in the soil although some regions like Essex have much higher numbers then this area. However in addition to vaccination Little Pressmore Farm accepts that good hygiene and management will help in minimising the risk of infection. Therefore we inspect and pick out hooves at evening stables. Further at these times we check for cuts and grazes, providing treatment as appropriate, as these present potential sites where infections such as tetanus may enter the horse's body.

The course of vaccinations for Tetanus consists of two primary injections given approximately four weeks apart followed by a booster vaccination a year later and thereafter at 2- 5 yearly intervals. Pregnant mares are often given a Tetanus booster in the later stages of pregnancy, usually in the eleventh month to increase the antibodies available in the colostrum which protects the foal for approximately six weeks. To supplement this many foals are given a tetanus antitoxin soon after birth providing temporary cover of three to four weeks. A further dose can be given at four weeks.

The Tetanus vaccination is often coupled with Influenza vaccination and several companies produce combinations of influenza and tetanus vaccine

Equine Influenza (Flu)

This highly contagious viral disease of the respiratory tract becomes noticeable with a harsh, dry cough which lasts for 2-3 weeks and may persist much longer. The cough may have been preceded by a rise in temperature for 1-3 days from the normal 38C (100.5'F) to 41'C (106'F). Initially there will be a clear discharge from the nostrils which later thickens and colours. The incubation period for the disease is very short with horses remaining infectious for 6-10 days after the onset of clinical signs.

Horses debilitated by Equine FLU are susceptible to secondary infections such as bronchitis or bacterial pneumonia. However, even when there are no complications the horse requires rest for at least 3 weeks and often considerably longer. The contagious nature of the infection means it is difficult but essential to isolate infected horses.

At Little Pressmore Farm we believe that the only practical way to prevent infection from Equine Flu viruses is regular vaccination, therefore w e do not accept horses onto the yard unless they are up to date with their Equine Flu injections . However it should be noted that Influenza viruses vary periodically and are subject to a phenomenon known as antigenic drift, these variations may result in a breakdown in immunity.

Equine Herpes Viruses

Following recent outbreaks and as Equine Herpes Viruses can cause serious respiratory disease, swelling around joints, abortion and sometimes paralysis we recommend that all horses receive veterinary advice regarding vaccination. The incubation period is one to ten days and horses can become carriers. We request that all horse owners advise us before entering the yard if they feel that their horse may have come into contact with a horse suffering from this illness. Symptoms include a raised temperature, coughing, swollen glands, lethargy and a nasal discharge, further the horse's resistance to infection can become compromised. The vaccination is usually administered every six months.

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)

This is a relatively new disease to the UK and cases especially those involving stallions must be reported to DEFRA.  It arrived from Poland and causes flu-like symptoms and abortion.  Control measures are primarily aimed at working stallions who spread the disease when covering mares. There is a vaccination licensed for the UK however this is only administered to stallions to safe guard breading stock. We request that stallion owners or owners of pregnant mares advise us before entering the yard if they feel that their horse may have come into contact with this illness.