Disease and Vaccinations

AGRI 3364

What effects disease control?

Management Well fed Well managed healthy horses Which are not subjected to undue stress

Vaccinations alone will not Prevent disease

Disease Control

Incidence of infectious disease tends to

increase with what? Numbers

What other factors influence disease? Environment and Management

Quarantine may be necessary for new horses

Disease Control

Disease control programs may vary

according to? Age Type Number Stocking Density Facilities Geographic Location Potential Exposure to Individual Diseases

Vaccinations

Tetanus

Caused by Clostridium tetani Spores can live in soil for many years Not contagious Deep puncture wounds or open lacerations Act by preventing relaxation “Sawhorse” stance Become unable to eat or drink Finally cease to breathe

Diseases

Tetanus

Yearly booster for all horses Pregnant mares 4 – 6 wks before foaling Tetanus antitoxin also available for short

time protection

Diseases

Equine Encephalomyelitis

AKA Sleeping Sickness Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan Strains Transmitted by mosquitoes Not contagious horse to horse Causes degeneration of the brain

High Fever Mild Depression Loss of Appetite

Diseases

Equine Encephalomyelitis

Paralysis eventually occurs Eating and Drinking Cease Annual Vaccination Suggested 4 to 6 months before foaling Foal vaccination at 3 to 4 months

Diseases

Influenza

Most common infectious respiratory disease Highly contagious Virus – can travel 35 yards Effects lungs causing discharge and

coughing Fever up to 106 Recovery within 10 days generally Viruses continually evolving Vaccination schedules vary

Diseases

Equine Herpesvirus

AKA Rhinopneumonitis Type 1 and Type 4 Both infect respiratory tract Similar characteristics to flu Type 1 causes abortions Type 4 commonly found in

Young horses entering into training Mares to be vaccinated at 5, 7, & 9 months

Diseases

Strangles

Bacterium Streptococcus equi Primarily effects young horses AKA distemper or barn fever Transmitted by direct contact also water

troughs, etc. Fever, depression, sore throat, enlarged

lymph nodes Vaccines are not completely effective Vaccine schedules vary

Diseases

Rabies

Neurological Disease Must be bitten by infected wildlife Negra bodies in brain Fatal

Diseases

Equine Infectious Anemia

Caused by a virus closely related to human immunodeficiency virus

Once infected always infected Most common transmitters are?

Flys Coggins test

If positive is suggested to euthanize

Diseases

West Nile Disease

Mosquito Borne virus First detected in US in 1999 Causes encephalitis No treatment known at this time Vaccine available now

Diseases

Equine Protozoal Myoencephalitis (EPM)

First Recognized in mid 1970’s Can affect any horse Caused by ingestion of protozoa Lead to in coordination Vaccine and treatment now available

Diseases

Vesicular Stomatitis

Virus Causes lesions, excessive salivation, and

drooling Generally breakouts occur in warm months Looks similar to foot and mouth disease Transmission not clear No specific treatment or cure Supportive Care

Diseases