The threat of deadly equine diseases like rabies and West Nile is closer than you think. Don’t leave your horse exposed—help protect him through annual vaccinations against the five core diseases: rabies, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus and West Nile. “A horse that is alone out in the pasture can still get rabies, can still get tetanus, can still get West Nile, and can still get Eastern and Western [equine encephalomyelitis],” said Bonnie R. Rush, DVM, MS, DACVIM, interim dean at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s important for horse owners to understand the consequences of not vaccinating their horse for these diseases.” Core disease vaccination is the foundation for equine wellness. The core vaccination guidelines were created by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the leading group of equine veterinarians. Annual vaccinations are recommended as part of overall equine wellness. For more information, see veterinarian or visit www.CoreEquineDiseases.com.
