Spring is the time for new foals being born and spring vaccines for your horses.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners guidelines, every horse should receive core vaccines against Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, tetanus, and rabies, diseases present in this region that can be rapidly fatal. Two doses are necessary for animals that have never been vaccinated. We see these cases every year, so vaccination offers prevention against these potentially devastating diseases. Foals depend first on high-quality colostrum from properly vaccinated mares, then on a structured vaccine series starting around 4–6 months of age.
Remember the 1-2-3 rule: the foal should stand within 1 hour of being born, the foal should nurse within 2 hours of being born, and the mare should pass the placenta and the foal should have its first bowel movement within 3 hours of being born. Have a great spring!
This content was provided by The Harmony Veterinary Clinic Team located in Harmony, MN. For more information, contact 507-886-6321.
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