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True vaccine reactions (such as anaphylaxis) are rare, but an “adverse effect,” such as a small swelling at the site of injection, transient fever, and inappetence, or soreness at the vaccination site are slightly more common. Adverse reactions are not always predictable and are inherent risks of vaccination. We recommend that horses not be vaccinated in the 2 weeks prior to shows, performance events, sales or domestic shipment. Most of these signs will resolve on their own in a day or two, but if you have questions or concerns please call us to discuss.  Core vs. Risk-Based Vaccinations:Core vaccines, which include Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE), West Nile virus (WNV), tetanus and rabies should be administered to all horses at least annually, following the initial series in foals or previously unvaccinated patients. Risk-based vaccines protect against a variety of diseases that can affect certain horses but are not necessarily a risk for all horses. Horses that travel and compete are at a higher risk of coming into contact with other horses and these pathogens. When horses are infected with these pathogens, they can develop clinical signs of respiratory disease such as lethargy, high fever, mucoid (mucousy) nasal discharge and coughing. Risk-based diseases include viral respiratory pathogens such as equine influenza (EIV) and equine herpesviruses-1 and -4 (EHV-1/4), also termed rhinopneumonitis. It is important to consider that performance horses are at a higher risk of exposure to viral respiratory pathogens. By implementing proper vaccination protocols, as well as good biosecurity measures, the risk of disease is lowered. Affected horses can be out of training for a few days up to a month or more, so in these cases, prevention is truly the best medicine.
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Most people are familiar with the furious form of rabies thanks to Stephen King’s iconic rabid dog, Cujo. However, there are two presentations of rabies, the more recognizable “furious” form and the less common “dumb” form. Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans, horses, and other mammals. Rabies is caused by a virus that travels along nerve pathways to reach the central nervous system and brain and is almost always fatal. The virus is transferred when the saliva from an infected animal enters through mucous membranes, like the eyes or mouth, of another animal. Transmission can also occur through open wounds or a bite from an infected animal. Rabies is difficult to diagnose in horses. Horses typically present with the dumb form with signs that include ataxia and lameness and progress to profuse salivation and inability to swallow. They may also express distress, extreme agitation, and rolling behavior which can be interpreted as colic. Prevention through vaccination is the best protocol to avoid infection. Rabies is considered a required core vaccine for horses by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and National Association of Public Health Veterinarians (HASPHV). California regulations allow veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians (RVT) under supervision, and veterinary assistants under direct supervision, to administer the rabies vaccination legally. Having your veterinarian administer the rabies vaccination provides legal documentation of the vaccination in case of infection or if your horse were to bite a human. This also provides vaccination support through the manufacturer in case of side effects or infection after vaccination. In California, rabies most commonly occurs in wildlife including bats, skunks, and foxes. The California Department of Public Health has designated San Mateo and Santa Clara counties as rabies declaration areas indicating the presence of rabies cases in the county. Vaccinating for rabies protects both your horse from acquiring a fatal disease and the people interacting with your horse from being exposed. Starwood Equine recommends vaccinating for rabies as part of your horse’s annual core vaccines. If you would like to decline the rabies vaccination, a waiver can be signed and returned to info@starwoodequine.com or in person at your next appointment. Additional information is available at the California Department of Public Health rabies webpage and the US center for disease control and prevention of rabies webpage. 
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