04/04/2025
Barr-North put out a great summary!
Vaccinate
Protect
Bio-security
Isolate
Contact your local veterinary clinic with any questions ❤️
Important Notice: Respiratory Illness in Local Equines – Prevention Through Vaccination
Recently, we've seen an increase in equines in the area showing signs of respiratory illness. These can range from coughing and nasal discharge to more severe symptoms. It's crucial to note that the spread of these illnesses can often be prevented through proper vaccination. Here are some key points to help keep your horses safe and healthy:
1 Vaccines Do Not Work Immediately: It's important to understand that vaccines take time to become effective. You cannot rely on them as a quick fix. Proper vaccination protocols must be followed for the best protection.
2 Booster Shots Are Essential: To ensure full protection, vaccines often require boosters. Don’t skip the booster shot – it's necessary for the vaccine to be fully effective in protecting against respiratory diseases like flu and rhino.
3 Flu and Rhino Component Require a Booster Every 6 Months: The flu and rhino vaccines have a six-month duration of protection. To maintain immunity, you’ll need to schedule a booster every six months.
4 Proper Vaccination Technique: To minimize the risk of reactions at the vaccine site, always administer the intranasal strangles vaccine after any intramuscular vaccines. If you're vaccinating multiple horses, we highly recommend spacing out the administration of intranasal and intramuscular vaccines on separate days to reduce the risk of complications.
5 Do Not Vaccinate a Sick Horse: It's crucial that you never vaccinate a horse that is already showing signs of illness. Vaccination during sickness can lead to adverse reactions and may not be effective.
6 Monitor Your Horses Daily: Pay attention to your horse’s behavior. Monitor their temperature, attitude, and appetite regularly. If something seems off, trust your instincts – you know your horse best, and early detection is key to preventing a wider issue.
7 Follow Biosecurity Protocols: Be mindful of shared equipment such as water pails, feeders, and bridles. Avoid tying your horse in areas that other horses may have licked. Small steps like these can greatly reduce the risk of disease transmission.
8 Isolate Sick Horses: If you notice any signs or symptoms of illness in a horse, keep them at home and isolate them from other animals. This will help prevent the spread of respiratory illness within your barn and to other facilities.
9 We Are Here to Help: If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist you in keeping your horses healthy. Call us at 780-674-2100 for guidance.
As we enter the competitive season, let's all do our part to ensure that both our horses and those around us stay healthy and ready for the challenges ahead. Stay vigilant, follow proper vaccination schedules, and keep your horses safe!
Wishing you all the best in the upcoming season!
