I have a 12 year old gelding that I am about to move from Texas to Colorado. The barn in CO that I am moving him to had a strangles outbreak back in March and the barn owner suggested I give my horse the IN vaccine before moving him to their barn. She just suggested it, isn’t requiring it. Strangles seems to be a bit prevalent out in this particular area as 2 out the 3 barns I looked at mentioned having it come through in the last couple of years. My horse has never had strangles and was last vaccinated for it back in May of 2016 and received the IM vaccine. He has never had the IN vaccine. He is being moved in about 2 weeks and I am a little bit torn on what to do. I have a call into my vet in TX to talk to her about it, but I know she does not like to vaccinate for strangles as she deems it ineffective and not worth the potential risks…still waiting on a call back from her. Right now I am leaning more towards giving it to him, but I am still not 100% sure. I would appreciate any input/advice that you guys may be able to provide!
I would give the IN vaccine. I’ve found it quite effective and very little risk of adverse effects. You won’t be fully protected in two weeks, so be sure to follow up with the rest of the series.
It sounds like your TX vet is only familiar with the IM vaccine.
I would do the vaccine as well. If you had kept up on regular strangles vaccinations or your horse had already been exposed, he likely would not need to be vaccinated as his immunity would be there.
Just an FYI- the IN is given as a series of two doses spaced two to three weeks apart, then horses should receive annual vaccination. You may want to check with your vet on protocol since you haven’t given it for a few years.
We use for for horses we travel with. The cost is minimal and the risk of side effects are likewise. It’s like buying insurance.
G.
My current barn requires it except in very unusual circumstances, like a very frail elderly horse (none right now) or one who reacts badly to the vaccine (1 of 18.) The majority of the horses leave the property for shows, clinics, trail rides etc.
At the last two barns it was required for horses that left the property, and to be honest, most of the horses got it.
Yes talk to your vet!
I suggest the IN. My mare gets hers on time, every time. Very little chance of side effects with it. IMO any horse traveling or going to a new barn, show, or trail head should be vaccinated. We had a mare come down with strangles at the barn I board at, and she was in the general population 3 days into her fever (owner withheld info from BO, lovely, huh?). Luckily all the other horses including mine were current on vaccines, and not one other horse got it. Of course, we used strict biosecurity measures during the 90, yes 90 DAYS we were under quarantine with the state.
