Rabies Vaccination & Horses

While rare, rabies is 100 percent fatal in horses and could present a risk to humans as well. Horses contract rabies through a bite or saliva contaminating an open wound. Rabies can be difficult to diagnose because it attacks the central nervous system. It can mimic other neurological diseases with symptoms such as dull and depressed behavior, low-grade fever, convulsions and anorexia. There is no definitive test to diagnose rabies in a live animal, according to The Horse magazine. Once a horse contracts rabies, it will die within a few days. Talk to your vet about an appropriate vaccination program for your horse.

  1. When to Vaccinate

    • Horses that live in environments where rabies-infected wildlife (such as skunks and foxes) may possibly come in contact with the horses should be vaccinated. Even horses who live in a stall or small pasture could be exposed to wildlife. Bites and wounds may go unnoticed. Vaccination for rabies should begin when a horse is about 3 to 4 months of age.

    About the Vaccine

    • According to an article in The Horse magazine, the American Association of Equine Practitioners includes rabies as a core vaccine in its vaccination guidelines. A vaccine, EquiRab, is shown to provide 14-month protection and is proven safe for use in healthy horses and foals 4 months of age or older, according to The Horse.

    Frequency

    • Rabies vaccination should be done on a yearly basis for horses. Most state health departments mandate that the vaccine be given by a licensed veterinarian

    Side Effects

    • Side effects from a rabies vaccine are usually mild--if there are any. Some horses may feel somewhat lethargic or become sore at the injection site. Other horses may run a mild temperature. Swelling may also occur at the injection site. Many horse owners give their equines a day or two off after vaccinations. However, if your horse shows severe reaction signs such as difficulty breathing or ultrahigh fever, call your vet immediately.

    Cost

    • The rabies vaccine is inexpensive. Some vets offer the rabies vaccine in combination with other vaccines such as influenza. On average, a bottle with 10 doses costs $15.99. For a single rabies vaccine, owners can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $2 to $3 depending on additional farm call costs that the vet requires.