EQUINE VACCINATIONS
Protecting Your Horse Through Preventive Care
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your horse from serious infectious diseases. At Red Barn Veterinary Services, vaccination recommendations are tailored to each horse based on age, lifestyle, travel, breeding status, and disease risk in Southwest Florida. [Schedule a Wellness Visit]
CORE VACCINES
Recommended for Every Horse
These vaccines are considered essential because they protect against diseases that are widespread, life-threatening, or pose a risk to both horses and people.
🩺 Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by bacteria that enter the body through wounds. Because horses are highly sensitive to the toxin produced by these bacteria, the disease is often fatal once clinical signs develop. Recommended Vaccination • Annual booster • Booster following certain wounds or surgical procedures if vaccination status is not current
🦟 Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis (EEE/WEE)
These mosquito-borne viruses attack the brain and spinal cord and carry a very high fatality rate. Mosquito exposure occurs year-round in Southwest Florida, making routine vaccination especially important. Recommended Vaccination • Every 6 months
🦟 West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is another mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause weakness, incoordination, paralysis, and death. Recommended Vaccination • Every 6 months
🦇 Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both horses and humans. Vaccination protects your horse while also reducing the risk to your family and others who handle your horse. Recommended Vaccination • Annual booster
RISK-BASED VACCINES
Recommended for Horses with Increased Exposure Risk
These vaccines are recommended depending on your horse's travel schedule, boarding situation, competition, breeding status, and environment.
🐎 Equine Influenza
Equine influenza spreads rapidly anywhere horses gather. Recommended For • Show horses • Horses in training • Boarding facilities • Horses that travel Recommended Vaccination Every 6 months
🐴 Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis)
Equine herpesvirus can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares, and neurologic disease. Recommended For • Competition horses • Boarding facilities • Breeding farms • Horses that travel frequently Recommended Vaccination Every 6 months
🌊 Potomac Horse Fever
Potomac Horse Fever can cause severe diarrhea and laminitis. Risk varies depending on geographic location and exposure to aquatic insects. Recommended For • Horses near rivers, ponds, lakes, or canals • Horses traveling to endemic regions Vaccination may reduce the severity of disease but does not provide complete protection.
🌾 Botulism
Botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Horses are most commonly exposed through contaminated hay or feed. Recommended For • Horses fed round hay bales • Broodmares • Foals in endemic areas Vaccination Schedule Adult Horses — Annual booster Pregnant Mares — Vaccinate during late gestation Foals — Begin vaccination series at 2–3 months of age
Why Vaccination Matters
Vaccination helps protect horses against diseases that are: ✔ Often fatal ✔ Difficult or impossible to treat ✔ Costly to manage ✔ Preventable through routine veterinary care A customized vaccination program provides the best protection while avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every horse need every vaccine?
No. Vaccination recommendations should be individualized based on your horse's age, lifestyle, travel, and risk factors.
Why are some vaccines given every six months in Florida?
Southwest Florida's warm climate allows mosquitoes to remain active throughout much of the year. Because mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis remain a significant risk, twice-yearly vaccination is generally recommended.
Are vaccines safe?
Most horses experience no problems following vaccination. Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site may occur for a day or two. Serious vaccine reactions are uncommon.
Schedule Your Horse's Vaccination
Protect your horse with a vaccination program tailored to its individual needs.
Red Barn Veterinary Services PLLC 📍 Mobile Equine Veterinary Care 📞 914-620-2353 ✉️ redbarnvet1@gmail.com
Serving Naples and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.[Schedule an Appointment]