Rabies Case Confirmed in Virginia Miniature Horse

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

Rabies Case Confirmed in Virginia Miniature Horse

justice · Grand Prix

I vaccinate every spring against rabies, among other things indigeonous to New England. I do it because, tho there have only been five or so reported cases of equine rabies out of X number of 100K in the area, I do not wish any of my horses to be number 6, or so. I am rural, small town, last house outa Dodge. The local wildlife travels thru my yard on a regular basis. The exposure to an affected animal is highly unlikely but not impossible.

There is much discussion here over the past few years as to the efficacy and need for yearly inoculations and vaccs. Some are of the school of un-necessary, others are adamant about twice a year with certain vaccs and under certain conditions such as show circuits and schedules.

Until the clinical documentation and proof is in the putting one way or the other, I will continue to annually feel better playing it better safe than sorry, if not a little ignorant.

-- Edited by justice on Tuesday 14th of December 2010 06:15:28 PM

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

Justice - you have a great point about playing it safe. As far as I know, yearly vaccinations haven't proven to be less healthy than not vaccinating (if my syntax makes sense...). Particularly being in a rural area - but also in urban areas as we all know that we took over the homes of the wildlife living there, not the other way around - I think it's extremely important to play it safe. I also think that competition grounds should be especially adamant about having proper vaccinations done, as this is a prime place to pick up who-knows-what disease. It's like sending your kid off to school to play with all the toys that the sick kids played with. I think I'd rather make sure my kid washes their hands thoroughly after play, than have to deal with medicating a sick child. - So like you said, better to play it safe than sorry!

justice · Grand Prix

Hi Ash : )

I know some folks have had serious reaction issues as well as needle/lubricant sensitivities and some feel the risk of adverse reaction is more of a threat than the disease itself. I count myself fortunate to have not had either in 45 years, so far (cross fingers!), of horse ownership and management. Not long ago there was talk of yearly injections generating tumours in cats and dogs or something along those lines.... Anyway, a fair percentage of these adverse equine reactions had come from a bad lot a few years back that was sold thru a larger and wellknown vender via vet 'script but shipped directly to the horseowner for self-applied injections. I have no problem with that but "do-it-yourself" is not always cheapest/safest. I trust my vet to know what properly stored/packaged/transported sera looks like because, frankly, I don't. One other tho minor and isolated point, not everyone is good with a needle or as experienced as they should be to be doing their own injections.

The show circuit itself is a reservoire of opportunity for germs because of the high volume of transiency thru most venues. Many if not all reputable organizations and facilities require a minimum of vet certification criteria. This is not to say that all involved are on the up and up, sadly.

Still, better safe than sorry for my 'kids' : ) Your point on urban residentia and its impingement upon the original residents is well made and taken, I agree completely!