Routine horse vaccinations are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to protect equids’ health against potentially fatal infectious diseases. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse

Routine horse vaccinations are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to protect equids’ health, reducing the risk of or preventing contraction and spread of infectious diseases including rabies, West Nile virus (WNV), and equine influenza.

In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month, Leslie Easterwood, MA, DVM, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers recommendations for equine vaccinations, suggesting that horses begin a routine vaccination schedule at a young age.

“We typically start foal vaccinations at 90 days of age,” she said. “If the mare is currently vaccinated and boosted late in her pregnancy, she will provide temporary immunity to the foal until they are able to respond to vaccinations. If the mare was not boosted late in pregnancy, we may choose to start vaccinations at 60 days