Equine influenza innoculations?

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Jericho

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Is it essential to have a horse/pony innoculated particulalry for equine influenza? I am thinking in particular of a shetland pony who wont be leaving the yard much (I have 2 horses which I dont have innoculated as we are only happy hackers (is this really bad?)) and a friend is about to start keeping her shetland with me - who is currently innoculated but needs to have her last jab of the course. Not really up to speed on innoculations so would appreciate some advice......
 
I can't see why you wouldn't innoculate tbh - equine 'flu is pretty as much as horrible as human flu (and by that I mean proper, wiped-out, can't get out of bed, totally drained and feel awful 'flu, not a bad cold) and if you can prevent your horse getting what is not an uncommon illness, then I don't see why you wouldn't.

It's a pretty safe vaccine, some horses do react to it, but what vaccine doesn't cause reactions?

More importantly though IMO is the safety of other peoples horses - whilst equine 'flu isn't airborne over any real distance, if your horses were contagious through not being vaccinated and you passed it on to a horse you came into contact with out hacking, well that's just not fair IMO.

If you decide to get your horses vaccinated for 'flu, there is the initial course followed by yearly boosters, and there is also a 'flu/tet combined booster.
 
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More importantly though IMO is the safety of other peoples horses - whilst equine 'flu isn't airborne over any real distance, if your horses were contagious through not being vaccinated and you passed it on to a horse you came into contact with out hacking, well that's just not fair IMO.

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Not disagreeing with you here, think the op should really vaccinate, but just with regard to the above bit, surely the other people's horses are only vulnerable if they haven't had the jab either, and that's surely their look out?
 
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More importantly though IMO is the safety of other peoples horses - whilst equine 'flu isn't airborne over any real distance, if your horses were contagious through not being vaccinated and you passed it on to a horse you came into contact with out hacking, well that's just not fair IMO.

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Not disagreeing with you here, think the op should really vaccinate, but just with regard to the above bit, surely the other people's horses are only vulnerable if they haven't had the jab either, and that's surely their look out?

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Nope, vaccinated horses can still get it, albeit in a midler version (prepares to get jumped on by vets as I'm sure that isn't technically right, but yes, vaccinated horses can still be susceptible).
 
I presume you would still have the jabs for tetanus???

This is one i wouldnt miss TBH. If you are having the tetanus than to have the flu one also wouldnt cost that much more i wouldnt think???

I wouldnt miss out on any really no matter how small the horse or where it goes.
 
if you never come into contact with other horses or come anywhere near other horses - ie never go to shows or come close to other horses out hacking, then possibly flu jabs aren't necessary. if any of your horses or the horses yours live with do come into contact with others then i think they are worth it..
 
How 'close' is 'close'? Isn't it contagious thereby needing 'contact'? Sorry, just not sure.
 
yes - I do mine for tetanus but to date mine hardly ever go near other horses. I am starting to do a few clinics and shows with 1 so I assume therefore that I need to make sure both my 2 horses and my friends will need innoculating for flu just to be sure. Interestingly my friends horse isnt done for tetanus.. funny how people practice different things...
 
not having a horse vacc against tetanus in my mind is stupid and negligent. it's only every 2-3yrs and if you'd seen a horse die of tetanus you'd know why i feel so strongly.
 
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Interestingly my friends horse isnt done for tetanus.. funny how people practice different things...

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I am genuinely shocked by that.

Does your friend know what tetanus does to a horse?
 
It's amazing how many horses are not vaccinated against tetanus, even in places like showing yards. I am very strict about this, but unsure about flu.
 
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