Lakewood Stables strives to provide a safe environment for all horses. This effort requires a set of norms, vaccination standards, and deworming requirements for all horses living in our facilities, as well as those visiting for competitions or shows.
It is important to consult a veterinarian when developing a vaccination program. The following vaccinations are recommended determined by our area's risk-factors:
Rabies
Rabies is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected mammals. It is transmitted to animals and humans by bites or potentially by contamination of an open cut or mucous membrane with saliva from the infected animal. Since rabies is life-threatening in both horses and humans, vaccination of horses against rabies is always required. Rabid horses at boarding stables, petting zoos, or riding stables could potentially expose employees or visitors. This could result in costly post exposure treatments for those exposed. Most veterinarians and veterinary hospital staff receive human rabies vaccinations to protect them from possible exposure. After an initial series of vaccinations, yearly vaccination is always recommended or required by ordinance. This will nearly eliminate your horse’s risk of contracting this deadly disease.
West Nile Virus
This virus has been identified in all of the continental United States, most of Canada and Mexico. The virus is transmitted from avian reservoir hosts by mosquitoes to horses, humans and a number of other mammals. The case fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is approximately 33%. Data have supported that 40% of horses that survive the acute illness caused by WNV still exhibit residual effects, such as gait and behavioral abnormalities, six months post-diagnosis. Thus vaccination for West Nile virus is recommended as a core vaccine and is an essential standard of care for all horses in North America. Vaccination is given in the muscle.
Equine Influenza
Equine influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses. It is endemic in the equine population of the United States. Equine influenza is highly contagious and the virus spreads rapidly through groups of horses in aerosolized droplets dispersed by coughing. All horses should be vaccinated against equine influenza unless they live in a closed and isolated facility. Vaccine can be given in the muscle or intranasally.
Rhinopneumonitis
Equine Herpesvirus (rhinopneumontis) type 1 (EHV-1) and type 4 (EHV-4) can each infect the respiratory tract, causing disease that varies in severity from sub-clinical to severe and is characterized by fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, and cough. Both EHV-1 and EHV-4 spread via aerosolized secretions from infected coughing horses, by direct and indirect contact with nasal secretions. Vaccination is given in the muscle.
Potomac Horse Fever
The disease is seasonal, occurring between late spring and early fall in temperate areas, with most cases in July, August, and September at the onset of hot weather. If PHF has been confirmed on a farm or in a particular geographic area, it is likely that additional cases will occur in future years. Clinical signs are variable but may include: fever, mild to severe diarrhea, laminitis, mild colic, and decreased abdominal sounds. Vaccination is given in the muscle.
Strangles
Streptococcus equi is the bacterium which causes the highly contagious disease strangles, also known as “equine distemper” or "shipping fever." Strangles commonly affects young horses (weanlings and yearlings), but horses of any age can be infected. Vaccination is recommended on premises where strangles is a persistent endemic problem or for horses that are expected to be at high risk of exposure. The organism is transmitted by direct contact with infected horses or sub-clinical shedders, or indirectly by contact with: water troughs, hoses, feed bunks, pastures, stalls, trailers, tack, grooming equipment, nose wipe cloths or sponges, attendants’ hands and clothing, or insects contaminated with nasal discharge or pus draining from lymph nodes of infected horses. Streptococcus equi has demonstrated environmental survivability particularly in water sources and when protected from exposure to direct sunlight and disinfectants, and can be a source of infection for new additions to the herd. Vaccine is given intranasal.
Coggins Test
Not per se a vaccination, but a test for equine infectious anemia virus (EIA). There are other approved tests, but the Coggins test remains the most definitive test for EIA. Once infected with EIA, a horse remains infected for life. Infections in horses are rare and incurable, and there is no available vaccine. The EIA virus is a member of the same family as human immunodeficiency virus. Only a few horses per 10,000 are infected in the United States. Most cases occur in states along the Mississippi River or in the southeast. The EIA virus is spread through the blood of infected horses, primarily by large biting insects such as horseflies and deerflies. Virus spread can also occur through blood-contaminated needles or surgical instruments. A Coggins test is often required for horses traveling out of state nd/or participating in certain competitions.
Lakewood Stables Health Requirements
Vaccination Requirements: Current vaccination records must be maintained on file in the STABLE office. The following vaccinations are required, unless a veterinarian note is presented indicating that such vaccination is unnecessary and/or prejudicial for a particular horse.
Rabies (annual)
Eastern & Western Encephalomyelitis (Annual in Spring)
Tetanus (annual in spring)
West Nile Virus (annual in spring)
Equine Influenza (spring & fall)
Strangles (annual) - Not a requirement for horses boarded at Lakewood Stables, but it could become a requirement in case of a local outbreak.
Deworming: It has been discovered that some equine parasites are becoming resistant to commonly used dewormers, making them ineffective. It is thought that this parasite resistance is the result of overuse of certain dewormers. In an effort to minimize parasite resistance while still keeping our horses healthy, we are recommending a deworming schedule, thus minimizing development of parasite resistance. Boarders are required to acknowledge a deworming schedule, with exceptions for older and/or horses with medical conditions.
New Boarders: Before arrival of horse to STABLE proof of current vaccinations is required. A negative Coggins test is required for all horses within the last year. Horses must have a current Coggins on file at all times.
Current Boarders: Are required to acknowledge that all proper vaccinations have been provided, date, and veterinarian. All boarders are required to present corresponding vaccination documentation upon request.
Visiting Horses: From time to time Lakewood Stables will admit visiting horses for overnight stay. These horses will most often be associated with competitions and shows hosted by our facilities, and will only be admitted upon proof of vaccinations and Coggins. Furthermore, all visiting horses will be housed in separate facilities or paddocks away from our regular boarders.
Quarantine: Lakewood Stables reserves the right to temporarily relocate any boarded horse in a quarantine facilities area in order to ensure the well being of all horses residents.