Horses are susceptible to a range of diseases, and it’s important for horse owners to be aware of the potential sources of transmission. While there are many ways that a horse can contract a disease, one significant risk factor is exposure to carriers of disease. During the spring and summer months, when temperatures and rainfall increase, animals and mosquitoes that can transmit diseases to horses become more active and pose a greater threat.

Some of the most common carriers of disease include raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, birds and insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. These animals can carry a variety of diseases, from West Nile virus to equine encephalomyelitis to rabies.

As a horse owner, it’s important to take steps to minimize your horse’s exposure to disease carriers. This might include controlling mosquitoes around your barn, monitoring your horse for signs of illness and keeping an eye out for any wildlife that could pose a risk. Vaccinating to protect your horse against diseases carried by mosquitoes and wildlife is vital.

Common horse diseases can be divided into two categories: core and risk-based diseases. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recognizes 5 harmful core diseases that can be prevented by vaccination: West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, rabies and tetanus.² These diseases can be transmitted by infected mosquitoes or wildlife, or through exposure to contaminated environments.²

Equine influenza (flu) and equine herpesvirus (rhino) are highly contagious risk-based, respiratory diseases that can spread rapidly among horses. They are the leading cause of infectious-based deaths in horses and can result in significant economic losses for horse owners. Regular vaccination and biosecurity measures can help prevent the spread of these diseases.²

To ensure your horse stays healthy and protected, annual vaccination is crucial. Spring is the recommended time for vaccination as it offers protection from the 5 core diseases and risk-based diseases like equine influenza and equine herpesvirus.² Your veterinarian may suggest additional vaccines based on your horse’s age, travel history and breeding status. It’s essential to work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination plan that meets your horse’s specific needs and minimizes her risk of disease.

Horses are part of our family, so it’s essential to be aware of potential health risks when interacting with them. It’s not uncommon for horses to carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

Some of the most common diseases that can be contracted by exposure to infected horses include Salmonella, ringworm, rabies, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and leptospirosis. These diseases can be contracted through direct contact with an infected horse or by encountering contaminated objects or areas such as stalls or equipment. Therefore, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions when working with horses, such as wearing gloves, washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with potentially infected areas. Horses should also be vaccinated to help prevent the spread of harmful diseases like rabies.

Rabies is a highly dangerous disease that’s 100% fatal, and horses are at great risk for contracting it because of their environment. In fact, horses are 4 times more likely than dogs to get infected with rabies, making it essential to take preventive measures.^4-6

Vaccinating your horse in the spring against rabies and the other 4 core equine diseases—West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis and tetanus—can provide the necessary protection.

Spring is the ideal season to vaccinate before wildlife carriers such as racoons, bats and skunks are at their most active.