Strangles vaccination - the newer IM one - worth doing?

[maya2008]

So a recent nearish outbreak did get me thinking. When the kids start taking their current ponies out next spring they’re going to be travelling a lot more and going to bigger shows. Is it worth vaccinating the ponies who get out and about, to hopefully protect them and the ones left at home? Any downsides? Obviously they would test positive on bloods forever. Would that be an issue once outgrown for finding the next home?

I do have direct experience of strangles and until the current crop of ponies, had a fully immune yard (not deliberately, just how it happened) so didn’t need to worry…

 

[Cragrat]

Totally worth it for the peace of mind, IMO.

We're out and about most weeks to training or competitions, and go to a residential camp once or twice a year, so I'd say the exposure risk is moderately high for our horses, even though we have them at home, not on a yard.

We gave the initial 2, and then they have had 2 more about 5 months apart, and are having their 5th one soon, which will be 6 months. When we started, the official line was 3 monthly for maximum protection, but they now say 6 monthly unless there is a high risk, in which case you can boost sooner.

We choose not to combine it with the flu, and to give 3 days off work and then a gradual return to full work, so we have to plan it. One gets a stiff neck so gets some bute, so far the others are fine. After the 2nd dose all 3 were very mildy subdued, only noticeable because I was looking for it, for 24 hours max. Otherwise no side effects.

The blood test can discriminate between vaccinated and affected horses.

I would rather have the mild inconvenience of the vaccination than have them go through full blown Strangles, and have to shut down, and all the pouch swabbing and flushing etc.

 

[Boulty]

Following with interest as I’m considering it for mine as all being well I do intend to have him out & about & doing stuff including occasional camps etc & I’m at a yard where I’m the only one really doing that, where there are several older retired horses so am feeling that maybe I’ve got an obligation to try and protect them as I’m the one going out & doing stuff?

 

[Red-1]

I have the vet coming for teeth next week and have asked that he brings some vaccine and we can discuss it as to whether we shall use it.

I now go on holiday a lot and they go on livery practically every month, so it would perhaps be sensible, despite them not doing a lot.

 

[St Nicnaclaus]

My vet said it wasn't necessary as keep mine at home. We are out and about a lot but hack with others who keep theirs at home and don't go near others when we're out competing nor touch anything apart from my own stuff.
It's not airborne so my risk is extremely low.
If I were on a yard or went hunting I would vaccinate.