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Re: [RC] Why do we vaccinate horses every year? (long) - Sisu West RanchThere are many things that must be considered in developing a vaccine schedule: 1. Legal Some states require some vaccinations on a schedule. In WI you must have a dog license. To get a dog license you must show proof of rabies vaccination within a year. . If your dog was accused of breaking the skin of a child, proof of a rabies vaccination within 12 months would be quite helpful both legally and for your peace of mind. Ths can also spill over into civil actions. Your Vet may suspect that he/she is recommending a few more vaccinations than needed, but if he/she does not follow the vaccine manufacturer's recommendations or community (of vets) standards, and your animal gets sick you could successfully sue him/her for lots of money. Would you want to take a chance of losing your means of making a living and your home by recommending infrequent vaccination? There is no incentive for a vaccine manufacturer to find out how long the interval can be made between vaccinations. The studies would cost a bunch, and not increase sales. A no brainer in a capitalist society. (Some people feel that an alternate economic system is better, but I don't.) Government money could be used to find out better vaccination schedules. Would this be a wise use of tax dollars? 2. Severity of the disease. Horses are quite suseptible to tetinus and are carriers of the bacteria. It is usually fatal. Do you wish to take a chance that every 3 years is often enough? How much of a chance are you willing to take about Rabies? 3. What is the track record of the vaccine? We do the Ft. Dodge WNV 2x per year because of some evidence that the immunity is marginal both in amount and length of action. 4. What is your risk of exposure? One can rationally take chances with diseases that are not very prevalent in an area, especially if they are mild. 5. Aside from some expense, what is the downside of vaccination? There is a lot of talk about the dangers of "over vaccination" and stories of animals being made sick by vaccination. I have not seen any good scientific evidence of "over vaccination" being a problem. If anyone has a refereed journal reference that reads on this, please send it to me. I have never in 35 years of vaccinating my horses seen a reaction that I feel was worth worrying about; therefore; I conclude that if some horses get very sick I must be lucky and have a herd of exceptional individuals and should not worry. My bottom line is that I vaccinate myself, my dogs, my cats, my horses and, when they were minors, my children, for just about every disease they are even somewhat likely to contact. Others may make other decisions. Ed Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower Road Victor, MT 59875 (406) 642-9640 ranch@xxxxxxxxxxx ============================================================ Black care rarely sits behind a rider whose pace is fast enough ~ Theodore Roosevelt ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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