More than 180 nonprofit equine rescue and retirement facilities in the United States recently received 3,200 complimentary doses of core vaccines through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC).

Supported in partnership by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and Merck Animal Health, the UHVRC has delivered more than 21,000 free vaccines to horses in need since its inception in December 2008.

“The complimentary vaccines from the UHVRC enable us to serve our community and meet the standard of healthcare that our horses deserve,” said Cara Zehnder, co-founder of Rescued Dreams Ranch in North Canton, Ohio. “I appreciate Merck Animal Health and the AAEP removing this expense from our plate.”

The UHVRC provides qualifying equine facilities with vaccines to protect against Eastern and Western equine encephalitis, rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and -4), West Nile virus, equine influenza, tetanus, and rabies. To qualify for donated vaccines, facilities must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, follow the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities, and work with an AAEP-member veterinarian to submit an application