I know that most of you horse owners vaccinate your horses on a yearly basis. However, there are those who think that, because their horses remain on their property and don’t go anywhere, they do not need to be vaccinated. Wrong! My little feline friend Chewbakka was watching the television not too long ago, a program about a country vet in the state of Michigan, and there was a case of a horse dying from the West Nile Virus all because the barn owners had not vaccinated their horses against this virus.

While most of you are familiar with WNV, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), also known as Equina Viral Encephalomyelitis (EVE),  is even more dangerous. Both these viruses are transmitted by mosquitos and, although mosquitos tend to stay within a mile or so of their breeding ground, they can be carried by the wind and end up 10 to 12 miles way. So, just because you don’t take your horse anywhere doesn’t mean that he is safe from diseases. Remember that both these diseases are fatal 9 times out of 10, and even if the horse survives, he will have lasting neuroligical damage.

Vaccinating your horses is the best way to protect them and assure their continuing health. The immunity, however, is not long lasting and many veterinarians recommend vaccinating every six months in areas of high mosquito population. Living in South Texas near the Gulf Coast, Ziggy and I get a shot every six months. Our mistress is also very careful to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes lay ther eggs and where their larvae live and grow. So make sure to eliminate as much standing water from your property as you can, store items upside down to prevent rainwater collection, fill in puddles with sand or dirt. Be especially vigilant after any period of heavy rain.

By the way, that Michigan veterinarian is the Incredible Dr. Pol. Watch him on Nat Geo Wild.