Among the vaccines that must be included in the vaccination program is equine rhinopneumonitis. It is a contagious disease caused by equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4, which affects the respiratory system of foals and adults.
There really is currently no law that requires vaccination of the horses. What does exist are regulations of the different horse and sports associations for those competing horses or meet under their competition rules.
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Disease
This disease can affect the reproductive system of the pregnant mare. It can cause miscarriages or the birth of weak foals that die quickly. It also affects the nervous system, causing a paralytic neurological disease. The symptoms are weakness and incoordination of the hind limbs, progressing to urinary incontinence. In some cases it can cause death in the horse.
Se contagious through horse cough, fluids and even with the contact of materials infected with the disease. Because it is a disease that affects the respiratory tract. The incubation period is 2 to 5 days.
The vaccine
With the vaccination prevents equine rhinopneumonitis, although it is not one hundred percent effective. But it does decrease the intensity of the symptoms and the contagion to other horses. Especially if we talk about pregnant mares, if they are vaccinated, it will reduce the abortions caused by this type of virus.
There is not really a standardized vaccination protocol, because the immunity of the vaccine is powerful but not long-lasting. In general it is recommended vaccinate every three to four months in competition animals, and in the fifth, seventh and ninth months of gestation in pregnant mares.
Proper handling and good hygiene, together with a strict vaccination schedule, it is adequate to prevent equine rhinopneumonitis. And if there is an infected horse, limit the spread to other horses.
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