Look at the expression my daughter’s leased horse Mason has in the photograph to the right. Haven’t we all felt that way at some time. Having to stand calmly when our brain is dancing around thinking, “Whoa, boy! I know what’s coming!” Anticipation sometimes is fun, like waiting your turn to go into the arena when your horse is going good. Anticipation can be nerve-wracking, too. Like when your veterinarian gives a vaccination and neither of you knows if your horse really is protected.



View.jpg (22252 bytes)Some vaccines, like for rabies, arteritis, botulism, and tetanus, work. Year after year they are safe and effective (scientifically called efficacious). Some don’t necessarily prevent disease, but do reduce the incidence or severity of disease, making them worthwhile investments in the health of your horse. Some, however, don’t seem to work at all. And for some diseases, like EPM or VS, there are no vaccines.


This month, our cover story talks about the vaccines currently in use and how the horse’s body uses vaccines to protect it from disease. But the article also gives us a glimpse into what the future might hold in the way of protecting our horses. DNA vaccines, better timetables for giving injections, knowledge of the immune status of the horse, and understanding of the waxing and waning of maternal antibodies all are on the horizon and offer us hope of keeping horses healthier

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