Whether you’re riding the trails around Creswell, competing in local events, or simply caring for a pasture companion, keeping your horse healthy starts with a well-planned vaccination schedule. Oregon’s climate, along with common equine diseases in the region, makes vaccinations a critical part of responsible horse care.

The Foundation of Equine Health

Core vaccines are recommended for all horses, regardless of their lifestyle or exposure to other animals. These protect against serious diseases that can be life-threatening.

•          West Nile Virus (WNV) – Oregon is no stranger to mosquitoes, and they’re the primary carriers of this virus. A single bite can put your horse at risk of neurological issues and even death.

•          Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE) – Also transmitted by mosquitoes, these diseases affect the nervous system and have high fatality rates.

•          Tetanus – Horses are particularly susceptible to tetanus due to their environment. A simple cut or puncture wound can introduce deadly bacteria, making annual tetanus vaccinations a must.

•          Rabies – While not common, rabies is fatal and poses a risk to both horses and humans. An annual rabies shot is a small step to take for peace of mind.

Risk-Based Vaccines

Depending on your horse’s exposure, competition schedule, and boarding situation, additional vaccinations may be necessary.

•          Equine Influenza – If your horse travels to shows or events, they’re at risk of catching the flu from other horses. Annual or bi-annual vaccination is recommended for performance horses.

•          Rhinopneumonitis (Equine Herpesvirus - EHV-1, EHV-4) – This contagious virus spreads through horse-to-horse contact, causing respiratory issues and, in some cases, neurological symptoms.

•          Strangles – Horses that board or compete should be vaccinated against this highly contagious bacterial infection, which causes swollen lymph nodes and respiratory distress.

•          Botulism – If your horse consumes contaminated forage, botulism can lead to paralysis and death. Vaccination is especially important for those fed haylage or silage.

•          Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that can cause eye infections and abortion in pregnant mares, leptospirosis is becoming more common in wet climates like ours.

When to Vaccinate

A well-planned vaccination schedule keeps your horse protected year-round. Staying on top of their vaccines ensures they are safeguarded against serious diseases, no matter the season. Here’s a general guideline to help you plan:

In spring, it’s essential to administer core vaccines, including West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE), Tetanus, and Rabies. If your horse travels or competes, this is also the time to give flu and rhinopneumonitis (rhino) boosters to maintain their immunity against contagious respiratory illnesses.

During the fall, flu and rhino boosters should be repeated, particularly for horses that are frequently exposed to others. Horses at higher risk may also benefit from the strangles vaccine, and those in wet environments may require leptospirosis vaccinations to prevent bacterial infections that could impact their overall health.

For pregnant mares, special vaccinations are necessary to protect both the mare and her unborn foal. The equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) vaccine should be administered at months 5, 7, and 9 of pregnancy to reduce the risk of abortion. Additionally, booster shots for core vaccines should be given 4-6 weeks before foaling to ensure the mare passes protective antibodies to her foal through colostrum.

Foals and young horses should begin their vaccinations around 4-6 months of age, as maternal antibodies start to wear off. Booster shots will be needed at specific intervals, as recommended by your veterinarian, to help build a strong and lasting immune defense.

Partner with South Willamette Veterinary Clinic for Your Horse’s Health

At South Willamette Veterinary Clinic, we believe in working alongside horse owners to develop vaccination schedules tailored to each horse’s needs. We understand the unique risks in Creswell and surrounding areas and are here to guide you in keeping your horse protected from preventable diseases.

If you’re unsure about your horse’s current vaccination status or need to schedule an appointment, contact South Willamette Veterinary Clinic. Visit our facility in Creswell, Oregon, or call (541) 895-5665 today.