Ransom's Run

Farmland matters.

You bet we vaccinate.

In today's Q&A, something that should not be a controversy.

We follow veterinary protocol (American Association of Equine Practitioners) core vaccination recommendations for each horse we intake.

What are core vaccinations in a horse? In short, the deadly diseases that can be easily prevented or substantially reduced in severity by vaccinating the horse.

These include:
🔹 Tetanus, found in the soil, 70% fatal and incredibly expensive to treat
🔹 Eastern and western Encephalomyelitis, considered 90+% fatal, carried by mosquitoes
🔹 Rabies, transmitted by infected mammals, 100% fatal and transmissible to humans and other animals
🔹 West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal or, in horses that survive, may cause lifelong health and soundness impacts
🔹 Flu and rhino, respiratory illnesses spread horse to horse, considered a core vaccine anywhere horses are boarded, showing, or off-site trail riding (IE, contact with 'outside' or 'new' horses or shared stalls with unknown horses)
🔹 Strangles, can be fatal and expensive to treat, as above with flu/rhino

Other vaccines are considered on a case by case basis, under advisement of veterinarians, and given based on the horse's risk. For instance, Botulism is nearly always fatal but only horses in certain circumstances may be exposed to it. Potomac Horse Fever wasn't present in our area until a few years ago; now, more owners are vaccinating for it if their horses live a lifestyle where they may be exposed to it.

Our horses are sent home with their adopters with their health records, including vaccination and deworming schedule and current, negative Coggins.