is not vaccinating being an irresponsible owner?

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horsesatemymoney

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I always have done out of habit but my friend looked at a yard which said they only let responsible owners on, who vaccinated ? Does that mean that if you don't, you're not?!
 
Depends. In a yard situation from YO point of view, yes, as you'll have a range of horses coming and going, hacking, showing etc. It's not worth a yo having them there unvaccinated. Same as most stick to a strict worming plan etc.

At home and in your own field? I'd stick to just tetanus if not going out at all.
 
Agree. If you never go to shows or anywhere where there are lots of horses and just have horse and do local hacking etc. then probably OK not to.

If you mix with lots of different horses then unwise not to.

As an aside - mine had his flu jab last week and for the first time ever, seemed quite subdued and quiet in the evening, just not quite him. Another friend had the same experience. Anyone else? He is fine now, back to normal.
 
Orangehorse said:
Agree. If you never go to shows or anywhere where there are lots of horses and just have horse and do local hacking etc. then probably OK not to.

If you mix with lots of different horses then unwise not to.

As an aside - mine had his flu jab last week and for the first time ever, seemed quite subdued and quiet in the evening, just not quite him. Another friend had the same experience. Anyone else? He is fine now, back to normal.
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This is normal. vaccines give a weakened or dead version of the virus so the body can produce antibodies against it. This process can make horses, and humans, feel a bit off for a few days
 
In theory. But, there's also the fact they now say a horse is protected for life after a certain number of tet jabs. And I know people with oldies who don't come into contact with others outside their fixed stationary herd who don't have flu jabs, with the vets blessing because of possible side effects. And in theory, provided you get a vet out asap the second your horse gets a minor graze, you could get tet done when required. Although practically not that easy. And from a yo's pov, I don't see it makes much difference. If the horse isn't done, the only one effected is the horse, not other horses or liveries.
 
It is one of those "it depends" questions.

I think not vaccinating against tetanus probably would count as being an irresponsible owner unless there was an extremely good reason as it can affect any horse at any time and has horrible consequences.

Vaccinating againts flu and other things is less cut and dried, I can see that someone might weigh up the pros and cons and decide not to vaccinate a horse that is kept at home and doesn't go out or meet horses that go out and travel.

Other vaccines it may be even more questionable, for example there is little point vaccinating against strangles unless it is a whole yard programme.
 
KristmasKat said:
It is one of those "it depends" questions.

I think not vaccinating against tetanus probably would count as being an irresponsible owner unless there was an extremely good reason as it can affect any horse at any time and has horrible consequences.

Vaccinating againts flu and other things is less cut and dried, I can see that someone might weigh up the pros and cons and decide not to vaccinate a horse that is kept at home and doesn't go out or meet horses that go out and travel.

Other vaccines it may be even more questionable, for example there is little point vaccinating against strangles unless it is a whole yard programme.
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This, if you are on a yard and unless there is vet advice against for a particular horse, then it is reasonable for YO to insist on it.

If horses are kept at home then tetanus still essential and irresponsible (highly) not to do that esp as its only every 2 years. Flu - responsible to do it if the horse mixes with other peoples - why should they pay for your horses protection by doing theirs and you not doing yours - but if they dont mix then its up to you.
 
Equine Flu is becoming more of an issue because fewer people are vaccinating.
Also some vaccinations supplied are not up to date

Remembering back to the days before Vacc was available some horses never fully recovered from Equine Flu and were left with breathing problems etc

This focus article may be of interest
http://www.aht.org.uk/skins/Default/pdfs/Defraapr-june2012_focus.pdf
 
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I don't vaccinate for flu as my mare had a nasty reaction to the injection. Had a huge lump the size of half a tennis ball where she was injected and had a temperature and snotty nose. Weighing up giving her the injection when she never leaves the yard it's unfair to put her through that every year!
Tetanus is always done though :)
 
If other peoples horses are vaccinated for flu & yours isn't they aren't paying to protect your horse. A horse that's had the flu jab can still carry it, but has the antibodies to fight it without becoming ill. In a group situation if one isn't done for flu & others are, it just means its possible for the one to become ill from flu, but all can still carry it.
 
The_angel_littlelegs said:
And from a yo's pov, I don't see it makes much difference. If the horse isn't done, the only one effected is the horse, not other horses or liveries.
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Depends on the yard. If the YO is involved in the horses care it will affect them (I know this comes with the territory but would understand them ruling out basics like jabs) and no yard wants a bad reputation, horses on site with flu (if no-one bothers vacinating it's going to look very bad) or horses have died on site from tetanus. Takes very little to create a bad reputation regardless of whether it's yards fault or not, it's their name which will be mentioned. And if I were looking to livery somewhere it would certainly put me off, whether it should or not.
 
Anyone that chooses not to vaccinate should also check their insurance carefully. I used to be a claims advisor for a horse & rider insurence company and we had a clause along the lines of the owner had to make every reasonable effort to keep the horse safe and healthy. This would cover not vaccinating as well as possibly a whole load of other stuff including not wearing hi-vis when hacking out/using suitable fencing etc.

Other policies state that the horse must be vaccinated full stop.
 
I think the decision is different flu vs tetanus, tetanus is critical (IMO) lots of the major charities don't vaccinate for flu, (and I assume they know more than me) so I'd guess not covering flu is not critical.
 
Sorry pan, I explained that very badly, I agree with what you say. What I was trying to say was that an unvaccinated horse doesn't have a detrimental effect health wise on other horses, only itself.
 
Ah health wise yes.
I personally don't do mine with most but could understand why a yard would insist on it. I expect in situations where the horse has reacted badly they would take it into account. Certainly our old worming plan was part of being allowed to livery however if there were reasonings and alternative measures taken (regular worm counts/different warmer) that was fine too.

In the case of the op with a yard stating it, I'd certainly not see it as a bad point, though the wording is a bit unnecessary and may put me off, they could have simply said that horses on site are required to have vaccinations.
 
Not vacc for Tetanus yes, flu unless a medical reason, reaction etc. My friend learnt the hard way, she missed her jabs due to having no funds. Horse became really ill told vets to do whatever to save her, went to specialist vets as confirmed tetanus £6000 later and no horse as died, insurance refused to pay.
 
I think also it depends on your reasons for not vaccinating...I mean is it a medical issue or a genuine concern about vaccinating versus not getting round to it?......my horse is new to me he was not covered so he is having a full set of vax and I will keep it up....however...I am always concerned about the issue of over vaccinating and with my dogs I have them titre tested and just vaccinate for what they need, some haven't needed doing for over five years now....I believe titre testing is available for horses too? Will be checking it out
 
Pm, I wouldn't worry about flu but I'd worry about what comes after it. As said I don't vaccinate mine, however they are on their own land with no horses nearby and none leave site. I'd probably rethink this if on a yard and any hacking out will be vaccinated before doing so.
In a charity situation there are only so many things you can afford to pay out for before you can't afford to run. There are several things charities do differently to me due to needing to provide the best care at reasonable cost. If you do a quick google charities show the cost of vaccinating and how it's not a realistic option.
 
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