The recommendations listed in the table are for foals and weanlings of mares who were appropriately vaccinated for the indicated disease prior to foaling. Adult horses should follow the schedule shown in the Booster column.
| Disease | 1st Dose |
2nd Dose | Booster |
| Tetanus | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate Annually or after penetrating wound if more than 6 months since last vaccine |
| Encephalitis | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate annually (Spring) |
| Rabies | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate annually |
| West Nile Virus | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate semi-annually |
| Rhinopneumonitis | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate at 2-6 month intervals ** |
| Influenza | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate at 2-6 month intervals ** |
| Potomac Horse Fever | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate at 4-6 month intervals |
| Strangles | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Revaccinate annually |
| Rhinitis | 5 months of age | 4 weeks after 1st dose | Booster again at 8 weeks after initial and then Revaccinate annually |
**For horses transported off farms and frequently exposed to other horses we recommend boostering Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis every 2-3 months.
***For broodmare vaccination recommendations, click here.
Conley and Koontz Equine Hospital (CK Equine) recommends that horses be vaccinated against Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) three times per year.
PHF is a seasonal, sporadic, but acute and potentially fatal colitis of horses caused by infection with the bacteria Neorickettsia risticii. Neorickettsia risticci is transmitted to horses by insects. PHF is characterized by fever and severe diarrhea. Fever can occur before diarrhea and is often unnoticed by owners. The disease is prevalent in our area. PHF was considered seasonal, occurring between late spring and early fall in northern Indiana, however at CK Equine we have seen cases most of the year. Clinical signs are variable but may include fever, diarrhea, laminitis, mild colic, dehydration, and shock. Pregnant mares may abort infected fetuses. Mortality rates in unvaccinated horses is high.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and CK Equine recommends vaccinating horses in our area against PHF. Vaccination may not be fully protective against infection, however, vaccination does decrease the incidence of PHF and decreases clinical signs in vaccinated horses that become infected. Generally; “Horses that get PHF that have been vaccinated live and unvaccinated horses that get PHF die”.
Due to the seasonal incidence of disease, vaccination should be timed to precede the anticipated peak challenge during the summer and fall months
Vaccinated adult horses should receive annual revaccination. The first dose should be administered in the spring, prior to the anticipated challenge. A second dose is given in July or August. A third dose is given in September or October.
Unvaccinated adult horses should receive two doses within a 3 to 4-week interval between doses. Vaccinated pregnant mares should receive annual revaccination with three doses. Schedule 1 dose to be administered 4 to 6 weeks before foaling. Foals should receive two doses within a 3 to 4-week interval between doses, beginning after 5 months of age.
PHF is a serious infection with significant morbidity and mortality in horses in northern Indiana. Although the vaccine is not completely protective, it does lower the risk and severity of disease. Vaccination against PHF is recommended by AAEP and CK Equine for horses in northern Indiana. Three vaccinations are highly recommended. One in the spring, a second in July or August, and a third in September or October.