H By Jill J. Dunkel
orses serve a variety of roles in livestock operations, from part of the business plan of breeding and
selling foals, to using horses to work cattle, to enjoying horses in ranch rodeos and ranch horse shows. Whether your horses work for a living, travel or stay at home on the ranch, regular care and maintenance is essential for their well-being.
Immunizations One of the easiest and least expensive
ways to protect the health of your horses is by practicing a regular vaccination sched- ule. Jered Harlan, DVM, recommends an annual vaccination program that includes protection against mosquito-borne ill- nesses such as Eastern equine encepha- litis (EEE), Western equine encephalitis (WEE), Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) and West Nile, plus tetanus and rabies. Harlan, a partner at Simmons and Har-
lan Veterinary Clinic in Wichita Falls, says tetanus is probably the most important vaccination horse owners can give. “A yearly tetanus booster is important,”
he says, noting that immunity against tetanus does not last as long as immunity with other vaccinations. Because of this, Harlan recommends administration of a booster if a horse experiences any type of injury or surgery and does not have a current vaccination (within the previous 6 months). According to the American Asso- ciation of Equine Practiti oners (AAEP), the severity of the wound does not predict the risk of developing tetanus. Even superfi cial wounds have resulted in tetanus in horses. Due to spring and summer rains, this
year saw an increase in encephalitis cases in the state, with at least 5 positive EEE cases in Texas. According to the Tex- as Animal Health Commission (TAHC), horses infected with EEE may die sud- denly or show progressive central nervous system disorders. Symptoms may include
tscra.org November 2015 The Cattleman 77
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