Disease and Vaccinations AGRI 3364

Disease Control 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

Vaccinations Disease control programs may vary according to? Age Type Number Stocking Density Facilities Geographic Location Potential Exposure to Individual Diseases

Diseases 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