Does your horse have the right vaccinations? The American Association of Equine Practitioners recently revised its vaccination guidelines, based on current disease trends. While the association stresses that veterinarians should work with their clients to determine the best vaccine regimen for each horse, the guidelines have identified "core" vaccines. Those are:
- Tetanus
- Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
- West Nile virus
- Rabies
In addition, the association's Infectious Disease Committee notes the addition of an anthrax protocol.
"The goal of the guidelines is to provide current information that will enable veterinarians and clients to make thoughtful and educated decisions on vaccinating horses in their care," explained Dr. Mary Scollay, chair of the committee.
But don't go asking your vet to vaccinated against anthrax. The AAEP notes that these are only guidelines and each veterinarian should look at his or her own geographic area and client base to determine the right schedule and course of vaccines.
