unsteadiness, erratic behavior and a marked loss of condition. The death rate of horses infected with EEE is 75 to 100 percent. Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC as-
sistant executive director, says the agency strongly recommends that horse owners consult with their local veterinarian to discuss an appropri- ate vaccination program for protect- ing their horses against mosquito- borne diseases. Harlan explains that combination vaccines are available that contain tetanus and encephalitis disease protection, allowing horse owners to cover their bases in one, simple-to-administer shot. Rabies is another vaccine that
Harlan suggests, especially if horses live in an area where they could encounter wild animals. “Not ev- eryone elects to vaccinate for rabies. However, rabies is fatal. If a horse contracts rabies, it dies. So if you like the horse, I recommend you vaccinate for rabies.” Horse owners who travel to
events with their horses might also consider vaccinating against infl u- enza and rhino, both respiratory diseases. “If your horse stays on
the ranch and does not have much exposure to other horses, you do not have to vaccinate for fl u and rhino,” says Harlan. “But if you know your horses will come in contact with other horses and there is enough time to build immunity from the vaccine, it is a good idea. It does not cost much to vaccinate for fl u and rhino, and it is available in a combination shot as well.” Harlan recommends vaccinating
in the spring. “Springtime is a good time to take care of these things. You might be calving and branding. It is a good time to take care of all of your animals,” he says.
Other routine care Harlan also suggests deworming
as part of the routine care of your horse. “I recommend deworming every 3 months with a broad spec- trum dewormer. And at least once a year, you need to use a dewormer that will get tapeworms.” He also suggests observing hors-
es’ teeth for sharp points or other problems, as well as checking for ear ticks. “A great time to check for ear ticks is when you are vaccinat-
ing. If you feel ticks in the ears, treat them. If you do not feel them, they are probably clean,” he said. Additionally, an excellent time to
clean a gelding’s sheath and check for a bean inside the horse’s penis is when the horse is sedated for dental work. Regular hoof maintenance is also
suggested to keep the horse sound. “I suggest trimming or shoeing every 6 to 8 weeks,” says Harlan. “Part of hoof care depends on the conditions where the horse is living. Do not let the hooves get too long and uneven. In my practice, we see hooves that get too long and split. Then if it rains, mud gets packed in the cracks and soon there is a sole abscess.”
Negative EIA test (also known as Coggins test or Coggins papers) Any time horses are “assembled”
in an area, the TAHC requires that all the horses have proof of a nega- tive equine infectious anemia (EIA) test, commonly known as a Cog- gins test. This is a simple blood test where blood is drawn by a vet- erinarian and submitted to a lab. Results can take up to a week or be ready the same day, depending on your proximity to a lab. An animal health inspector can request proof of a negative EIA test at any loca- tion where horses are assembled. Horses “assembled” is defi ned
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to protect the health of your horses is practicing a regular vaccination schedule. Photo provided by Jill Dunkel.
78 The Cattleman November 2015
as any time a group of horses come together for events like, but not limited to, parades, rodeos, roping events and trail rides. Horses that are boarded are also required to have proof of negative Coggins, as well as horses that live within 200 yards of horses belonging to some- one else. Horses ridden on trails and public lands where a congregation of horses can occur are also re- quired to have the documentation.
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