Horses in the United Kingdom may be at risk of the flu even if they are vaccinated because of non-compliance with manufacturing guidelines, research shows. Drs. Amie Wilson, Gina Pinchbeck, Rachel Dean and Catherine McGowan created a survey that asked equine vets in the UK to describe their vaccination practices. The study team then compared these protocols with manufacturer guidelines and datasheets.
Of the 304 responses, 92 percent indicated that the recommendations they give owners are not consistent with manufacturer guidelines for administering the vaccine. Vets most often used vaccination guidelines from the British Horseracing Authority and the Fédération Equestre Internationale.
Additionally, there was variation in vaccine booster protocol for competition and noncompetition horses. The most recommended strategy, given by 57 percent of survey respondents, was a 6-month flu vaccine shot for competition horses and annual flu vaccine administration for non-competition horses.
Nearly 86 percent of vets reported that their clients were reluctant to administer vaccines because of fear of over vaccination, cost and the potential for adverse reactions. Of the vets who responded, 66 percent had horses that experienced an adverse reaction to vaccination, but only 19 percent of these vaccination reactions were reported to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Most reactions included stiffness, swelling, lethargy and fever.
The study team noted that there is a discrepancy between manufacturer guidelines for flu vaccinations and those issued by governing bodies for equestrian sport and racing. Non-compliance is common, leaving horses at risk for getting the flu.
Read the study here.
Read more at EquiManagement.
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